Roberta Ann Thornton, age 76 of Plano, IL passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at her home. She was born on March 29, 1947 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Milan and Pauline (Paranich) Renar.
Roberta was born and raised in Chicago. She was united in marriage, in Chicago, on April 16, 1966 to Mr. Ralph (Sonny) Thornton and they spent the next 57 years happily together. Bobbie, as most people knew her, moved to Plano in 1974 where she helped to build the home that she resided in until her death. She loved to cook and to entertain, either in her home or by the pool, which she also helped to build. Bobbie loved to feed people, especially her family, it was one of her biggest joys. She was an extremely giving person, and would always open her home to others. Both family and friends have been the recipient of her generosity over the years, by giving them a place to stay, and a good meal, while they got back on their feet. Bobbie also loved to garden and spent many hours planting flowers by her pool and vegetables in the garden. Bobbie loved to travel and made friends wherever she went. She was very funny and quick witted, and if you were around her you would be smiling and laughing. Bobbie was also very artistic and loved to draw and paint. She had an extreme passion for music. Bobbie played multiple instruments, and had an absolutely beautiful voice. She was a devout catholic for her entire life, and as such, shared her passion for music with the church. She was the Music Director at St. Mary’s in Plano for many, many years, in the beginning volunteering all of her hours. More recently, she was the Music Director at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora, IL. Bobbie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and niece.
Roberta is survived by her husband, Ralph Thornton of Plano, IL; her children, Debra (Jeffrey) Ness of Yorkville, IL, Tamara Thornton of Plano, IL, Marc Thornton of Plano, IL, and Randall Thornton of Plano, IL; seven grandchildren, Jourden (Katie) Ness of Morris, IL; Keenan and Alexa Ness of Yorkville, IL; Damen Bonneau of Florence, CO; Levi Verdugo of Tucson, AZ; Jake and Reilly Thornton of Plano, IL; her brother David (Catherine) Renar of Watseka, IL; also two nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents Milan and Pauline Renar, and her sister Carol Keiffer.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 406 Walnut Street, Yorkville, IL. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Bristol, IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at The Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 West South Street, Plano, IL.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.
hide
