Lee Thornton

Leonette "Lee" K. Thornton, age 78, of Arlington, IA, formerly of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 14, 2023, with her family by her side. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 22nd, at 12:00 PM at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, IA. Burial will be at Postville Cemetery, Postville, IA. Friends may greet the family from one hour before services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Leonette Kay Smith Thornton was born on September 23, 1944, at her parents' home in Waterville, IA, the daughter of Leonard and Myrtle (Dahly) Hastings. Lee graduated from Waukon High School in 1961. She was united in marriage to Elmer Lee Smith on February 8, 1964, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, IA. After his passing, she reconnected with a high school sweetheart and was united in marriage to Ronald "Butch" Thornton on May 8th, 2004, in a private ceremony at their home in Rochester, MN.

Lee was a devoted nurse and had a soft spot for working with the aging population. She received her RN degree in Laramie, WY, and finished her career working at the Charter House through Mayo Clinic. Lee enjoyed fishing, watching baseball, quilting, and taking care of her flower gardens. In her younger years, she was in a bowling league and enjoyed getting together and playing cards with friends and family.

Survivors include her husband of 18 years, Butch; her children: Corene Richards, Milburn (Julie) Smith, Aaron (Nikki) Smith, Emery (Kathy) Smith, and Eric (Alison) Smith; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her siblings: Greg (Patti) Hastings and Jackie (Mike) Schick; a sister-in-law Rita Hastings; her step-children: Lonnie (Paula), Jon, Tim, and Toby; six step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. Lee is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Elmer Smith; a grandson Joshua Richards; and a brother Jerry Hastings.

Honorary urnbearers are Greg Hastings, Mike Schick, Allen Leiran, Bill Smith, Lawrence Benda, and John Erickson.