Wilma Ruth Thornton

Wilma Ruth Thornton, age 82 of Englewood, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at UT Medical Center.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Neil and Emmaline Wattenbarger Monroe. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert “Larry” Thornton, an infant son, Larry Neil Thornton, and her siblings, Jewell Monroe, Pauline Carpenter, Samuel Monroe, Nathemia Farris, and Melvin Monroe.

Wilma was of the Baptist faith and retired from Thomas and Betts after 30 years of dedicated service. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose quiet strength and steadfast love shaped the lives of her family.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Darlene Thornton of Englewood and Darrell and Sandra Thornton of Athens; one daughter, Angel Gable of Decatur; five grandchildren and spouse, Nathan and Kaela Thornton, Eric Thornton, Paige Gable, Wyatt Gable, and Alexis Thornton; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Thornton and Alistair Thornton; and several nieces and nephews.