Kathleen Kathy Eleanor Thornton

Kathleen Eleanor Thornton, 62, of Lake Charles died on Monday, October 8, 2012 in a local hospital.

Kathy was born on November 7, 1949 in Lake Charles, LA. She was a graduate of Lake Charles High School and McNeese State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education. She then became a teacher in Westlake and taught there for over 30 years. Following retirement, she moved to Lafayette and worked at the Lafayette Daily Advertiser for 10 years before recently moving back to Lake Charles. She was a member of Squyres United Methodist Church in Ragley for many years.

She adored her family and had a love for animals; she lived on a farm most of her life. Kathy was a horse enthusiast and was an accomplished horseback rider.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Shayna Sonnier of Lake Charles and Shayna's father, Charles Sonnier of Vinton; a sister, Nancy Kondert and husband Reinhart of Rayne; a step daughter, Denise Parker and husband Richard; step granddaughter, Taylor Parker; and a step great grandson, Jehtt Smith all of Moss Bluff; one niece, Kathy LaRue and husband Rodney of Rayne; three nephews, Jody Kondert of Lafayette, Will Kondert and wife Kerrie of Lafayette, and J Thornton and wife Melissa of Ragley; eight great nieces and nephews, Jordan Kondert, Lauren Johnson, Andrew Kondert, Lila and Lyndi LaRue, Gabrielle Kondert, and Jamison and Janee' Thornton; and a great great nephew, Jaxon Angelle. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Precious.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and James Thornton, Sr. and a brother, James Hunter Thornton, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 11, 2012 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John Robert Black and Rev. Karl Klaus will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Thursday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.