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Born: November 12, 2025
Death: April 28, 2026
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Viola Retha Thorne
November 12, 2025 -
April 28, 2026
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Life Legacy
Viola Retha Thorne-104, of Rockford passed away on April 28, 2013. Born November 12, 1908, on a farm near Chariton, Iowa, the youngest child of James (1861-1955) and Sarah Terral Smith (1868-1960). She married John Thorne in Chariton, Iowa in 1931 and they came to Rockford in 1941. She was the oldest Gold Star Mother in the State of Illinois. Son Harold Thorne was killed in the Korean conflict in July, 1953. Retha liked family gatherings, fishing, gardening and bingo. Thanks to Ken, Janet, Larry and Scott for all their visits and thanks to Dorothy Welch for being a good friend. Thank you to Rockford Supportive Living for taking care of Viola for 6 years and Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and Korean War and Viet Now Veterans for their support. Survivors include her son, Paul Thorne, daughters; Dorothy Sletten, Shirley Statdfield, Marilyn (Bill) Blasdel and Betty Watson. 15 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband, John, son Harold, grandson Sheldon Walling, infant grandson, Johnny Walling, infant great-grandson, Kenneth Williams and infant great-great granddaughter, Jocelyn Mendoza, sister, Bessie Malsom and brothers; Lawrence, Lester and Floyd Smith. Services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 3, 2013, at Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home. Rev. James Schwalm will officiate. Visitation from 5:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Thursday and from 10:00 A.M. until service time on Friday. Burial at Willwood Cemetery. Memorials may be given in care of the family. Online register at weltefuneral.com.
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