Gerald Sterling Thornley

Gerald Sterling Thornley passed away December 16, 2015 at home, surrounded by his family. 

He was born in Smithfield, Utah on July 24, 1935 to Benson and Eva (Dawson) Thornley.  Gerald attended school in Cache County and lived in Smithfield until he moved with his family to Kuna, Idaho in March of 1952. 

He went to work at Ada County Dairymen’s in Meridian, Idaho as a milk inspector.  He continued at this job for fifteen years, all the while wanting to farm someday.  In 1956, he met, courted and married his sweetheart, Ida May Bowen on August 24^th. 

They bought a small acreage in Kuna and started their dairy and farm.  As the years progressed, their family needed more opportunities to learn the values of good work ethics and the farm and dairy expanded to accommodate this goal.  In 1968, Gerald was able to farm and dairy full time.  He enjoyed working and playing with his family.  In 1976, another lifelong dream became a reality with the purchase of a team of Belgian draft horse mares.  The family enjoyed many years of raising, showing and parading at fairs and other events in the Treasure Valley.  In 1996, the farm and dairy sold, due to urban growth.  Gerald and Ida May fulfilled another desire and moved to Cache Valley and settled in Dayton, Idaho, where they have lived and farmed for the last nineteen years. 

Gerald was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in several callings over the years. 

Gerald is survived by his wife Ida May and his six children and their spouses, Sterling and Linda Thornley, Ralph and Tamera Thornley, Darrin and Christy Thornley, Joyce and Ken Christensen, Wade and Amy Thornley and RaNae and Sam Christensen.  He treasured his 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are three sisters, LuDean Krajnik, Annete Nible and Nelda Graham, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kay and brother-in-law Frank Graham.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Dayton Ward Chapel with Bishop Wesley Beutler conducting.  Friends may call Sunday, Dec. 27th from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho and Monday, Dec. 28th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be in the Dayton Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com