Thornton Funeral Home

03/30/2026

Sue Carole Gillham Blair

Sue Carole Gillham Blair

July 11, 1939 – March 25, 2026

Sue Carole Gillham Blair, 86, of Story, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 25, 2026, surrounded by family and the sound of hymns. A "spitfire" from day one, Sue was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Later, her family moved to a farm in Texarkana, Arkansas where she later graduated from Arkansas High School. She attended Texas Christian University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Henderson State University.

Sue spent most of her life in Story with the love of her life, Jimmy Blair. Together, they turned their farm into a sanctuary for family and friends. While famously feisty, Sue was also deeply motherly, serving as an honorary parent, grandparent and friend to many. Their home was a place of farm animals, puzzles, laughs, home-cooked meals and bottomless cups of coffee. It was a feeling as much as a location.

A woman of many passions, Sue was a talented artist and seamstress, an avid reader and a festive decorator. She kept people laughing until they cried without any effort and remained gloriously unfiltered until the end. If Marlboro Reds and Big Red gum are allowed in Heaven, we know she’s happily picking up those old habits again. Her faith ran deep, and she was honored to be a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy, and her parents, Dan and Bertha Gillham. She is survived by her daughters, Pat Mazer and Dana (Thomas) DeAndrea; grandsons, David (Natasha) and Daniel (Brenda); her brother, John Gillham, and her nieces, Kelly Daniel, Heather Gillham, Mary Beth Gillham and Lindsey Gillham Thompson (Josh), along with three great-grandsons, two great-nephews and three great-nieces.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Story, but her joy lives on in those blessed to have known her. Thanks for making life fun, Sue.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Reed Cemetery in Story, Arkansas. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/17/2026

Leva Mae Storni

Leva Mae Storni, 91, of Story, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, March 16th, 2026, in Hot Springs. She was born March 5th, 1935, in Pensacola, Oklahoma to the late Glen and Stella (Graham) Howerton. She is preceded in death by both parents, great granddaughter Chloe Phillips and her brother Bill Howerton.

Leva is survived by her husband of 12 years, Loren Storni, sons Donnie and Ronnie (Shari) Phillips, daughter Janette Leasure, grandchildren Cory, Kyle and McKenzie, 5 great grandchildren, sister Glenda Stone, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Leva’s Life held at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church, located at 3586 Hwy 270 E, Mount Ida, AR 71957 on March 27, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

03/17/2026

Marie Noles

Marie Noles, 92, of Story, Arkansas, passed away Monday, March 16th, 2026, at the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas.

She was born April 4th, 1933, in Chula, Arkansas to the late France Oliver Bryant Mabry and the late Vesta E. Lydia Austin Mabry. On February 23rd, 1952, she was united in marriage to Alvie Gene Noles. Marie was a hard-worker thru-out her years, housekeeper and worked at Hwy 27 Fishing Village. When she retired she loved fishing. She volunteered several years at Mt. Ida Thrift Store. She had such a loving spirit, always wanting to help and provide for anyone in need. She loved to cook and make pies for her church, where she was a member of Prairie Grove Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and 3 sons Gary Noles, Terry Noles and Harry Noles, 2 brothers, Bill Mabry and Oliver Mabry.

She is survived by her children, 1 daughter Velda and her husband Wayne Duncan of Story, Arkansas, 1 son Larry and his wife Sandy Noles of Russellville, Arkansas, 6 grandchildren, Tony Duncan, Jeremy Duncan, Nicholas Noles, Jill Noles Bennett, Michael Noles and Brad Noles, 9 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces, 1 sister, Mavis Ferguson, 2 brothers Donald and wife Joan Mabry, Ricky and wife Teresa Mabry.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 19th, 2026, 10am at Muddy Creek Church of God in Story, Arkansas with funeral service at 11am, Cemetery with Bro. Josh Harper and Bro Ed DePriest officiating. Burial will be immediately following at Reed Cemetery. Pallbearers: Tony Duncan, Michael Noles, Nicholas Noles, Brock Duncan, David White and Tommy Johnston. Honorary pallbearers: Charles Scantling, Brenda Minton, Janie White, Teresa Mabry, Montgomery County Nursing Home, friends and acquaintances. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/17/2026

Stuart Orin Schmitt

Stuart (Stu) 0 Schmitt Mount Ida AR.- Stu Would like to let you know that his work here is done. On March 15, 2026. He received his last set of orders he could not refuse for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This appointment comes with great reward. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be Fishing, Flying, Dancing, Playing with Crystals, and sitting around a poker table having happy hour sharing love, laughter and memories with family and friends whom he has not seen in a long time.

We want him to know that he truly made the most of his time here on earth. He lived with generosity and love, giving far more than he received and leaving behind a legacy of joy and kindness. His bright smile, wise counsel, zest for life has filled our lives with unforgettable moments and cherished memories that will stay in our hearts forever.

Stu’s life took many turns. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa and raised in the small town of Nichols IA., where according to rumors he stirred up as much trouble as possible. He played Basketball, Baseball and even was a Cheerleader. He was Salutatorian of his class (His senior Class had 3 other students that year). He attended Iowa State university and joined ROTC program and received his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. Immediately after Graduation married his wife of 61 years Sandra Daly. He joined the Navy, became a pilot and flew over 200 Missons in Vietnam. He retired as a Naval Captain as a Test Pilot and "Top GUN" F-14 Fighter Pilot with Thousands of flight hours and almost 1000 carrier landings. He has received many Medals Including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After retirement, he and his wife Sandy settled in Mount Ida AR. With new adventures he taught Avatar, became a Quartz Crystal Miner, Started Crystal business, Mastered Fishing, and Even managed to donate to the local Friday night poker games. He was a man who made an impression on many lives.

Thank you everybody who helped make his long journey so memorable.

Stu is survived by his wife Sandra Schmitt, sister Sandi Hyett, son Stuart (Chip) Schmitt along with many other family members and friends. He preceded in death by both of his parents, Ralph and Bea McMahon Schmitt.

We invite all his family and friends to his funeral service at Mountain Harbor East Pavilion 181 Clubhouse Drive Mount Ida, Arkansas, Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 2pm with Father Joseph Shantiraj officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/11/2026

William Rex Henry

William “Bill” Rex Henry of Pencil Bluff, Arkansas, passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on January 30, 1947. Bill was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late William Henry Jr. and Ruth Louise (Lipps) Henry and was the oldest of four children.

He served in the Army for three years during the Vietnam War. After moving to Pencil Bluff, he worked as a tree farmer.

Survived by his brothers Kevin Lee Henry of Bend, Oregon, and John (Remy) Henry of Pencil Bluff, and Sister Christine Marie (Henry) Spanbauer (Christopher) of Bend, Oregon.

Bill will be cremated and a memorial service is planned for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Pencil Bluff Baptist Church with Bro. Mitch Odem officiating.

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03/09/2026

Gloria Diane Gaston

Gloria Diane Robbins Gaston, age 77, of Norman, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. She was born on February 1, 1949, to Floyd and Violet Robbins. Diane lived a life centered on caring for the people she loved. She devoted herself to taking care of her mother, her brother, and her beloved husband, Lonnie Gaston, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her niece, Anita Clifton and her husband John; her nephew, Larry Robbins, Jr. and his wife Linda; as well as a great-niece and great-nephews and great- great-nieces. She also held a special place in her heart for her husband’s family, whom she loved as her own. Diane also leaves behind her dear friend, Isaac Richart, along with the puppies and cats she adored.

Diane enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time fishing and sharing meals and memories with family. Some of her favorite treats were her mother’s chocolate gravy and chocolate pie, her sister’s hot rolls, and Anita’s sugar cookies.

Diane will be remembered for her caring heart and her devotion to family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at Thornton Funeral Home, 211 Luzerne Street, Mount Ida, Arkansas, on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gaston Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/06/2026

James Steven Cox

James Steven Cox, 76, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away, Thursday, March 5th, 2026. He was born December 22nd, 1949, in Miami, Arizona, to James Calvin and Iva Mae (Jackson) Cox. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Billy Cox and his sisters June Clubb and Bernice Boadway.

James is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Cox, his son JC (Anglya) Cox, daughters Amber (Wade) Kramer, Mikayla (Caleb) Whitmire, Sandy (Charlie) Fryar and Ellen Davis, 7 grand-children, 9 great grandchildren, sister Dorothy Elder, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12th, 2026, 5-7pm at Thornton Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be held Friday, March 13th, 2026, 10am at Jesus Name Peace Tabernacle with Bro. David Whitmire officiating. Burial will be at Mount Olive Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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02/27/2026

Raymond Michael Lenard

Raymond Michael Lenard, 74, of Sims, Arkansas, passed away Friday, February 27th, 2026, in Hot Springs. He was born in Mena, Arkansas, November 12th, 1951, to Raymond and Orpha Mae (Hackney) Lenard. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Lenard, brother Marty Lenard, sisters-in-law Kim Lenard and Vicki Lenard and his special friend, Jimmy Singleton.

Raymond is survived by his wife Bobbi Lenard, daughters Markie (Cody)Qualls, Lacy (fiancé Josh Guy) Lenard and Jennifer Lee (Derek) Diederich, his mother Orpha Mae Lenard, grandchildren Maryn Qualls, Harper Qualls, Brecken Sigg, Brooklin Diederich, Brylee Diederich, brothers Ricky (Linda) Lenard and Ronnie (Rosetta) Lenard, sister Connie Singleton, nieces, nephews along with host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, March 2nd, 2026, 5-7pm at Thornton Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Ida. Arrangements were made and directed by Thornton Funeral Home Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest may register at thorntonfh.com

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02/23/2026

Eugene Allen Bankston

Eugene Allen Bankston, 87, of Oden, Arkansas, passed away, Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. He was born November 7th, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Newman Barron and Nancy (Tate) Bankston. He is preceded in death by both of his parents and his daughter Genyth Roshelle Butler.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 43 years, Genyth (Spencer) Bankston, granddaughters Hollie C. (Eric) Massey and Roshelle Butler, son-in-law Mark Butler, his sister Jewell Bankston, brother-in-law Robert L. (Peggy) Spencer nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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02/16/2026

Loretha Faye (Summitt) Ray

Loretha Ray, 81, of Mount Ida, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 15, after living with dementia for many years.

Born on April 20, 1944, in Sims, Arkansas to Joseph and Mattie Summitt, Loretha grew up in Mt. Ida and graduated from Mt. Ida High School in 1962. On August 31, 1962, she married Richard Ray, and they drove across the country and began their married life in California. During their life together, they also lived in Glenwood, Arkansas; Nocona, Texas; Poteau, Oklahoma and Harrison, Arkansas.

Before retiring, Loretha worked as a Coordinator with the Head Start Program, and some of her favorite memories were of times spent traveling with co-workers. She loved being outdoors, and spent her free time bird watching, rock gathering and enjoying God’s creation even into her years with dementia.

In each community she was blessed to be a part of, Loretha had a special gift for diving in and becoming involved. She could be found leading the youth group, teaching Sunday School, serving on church councils and much more. We have been touched by the number of people from the different communities who have reached out and shared the difference “Mimi” made in their lives.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Richard Ray; her children, Michelle (Zane) Meekins of Fort Worth, Texas and Gina Ray Ritchie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Madeline, Caroline, Paxton (Retha) and Parker, brother and sister in law Bill and Sue Ray, as well as her special “sister-cousins” Cathy (Bill) High and Sharon Sims, both of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and a host of family and friends who she loved dearly. Her sweet cat “Kitty” misses her already and provided much comfort during her final days.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice Home Care staff, especially nurse Jenny, for their compassionate care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Ida First Methodist Church, with a reception following in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Mt. Ida First Methodist Church at P.O. Box 607, Mt. Ida, Arkansas, 71957.

Though dementia gradually changed her memory, it never diminished the love she gave or the impact she made. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.

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02/03/2026

Diane Lee Whisenhunt

Diane Lee Whisenhunt, 84, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, February 2nd, 2026, in Hot Springs. She was born June 17th, 1941, in Hot Springs to the late Argus and Sybil (Doyle) O’Neal. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, husband Gip Whisenhunt, granddaughter Christina Whisenhunt, brother-in-law David Short, and Aunt Christine Whittington who was like a mother to Diane.

Diane is survived by her sons Bryan (Donna) Whisenhunt and Mark Whisenhunt, daughter Tamara McKee, grandchildren Allison (Stephen) Englert, Michael (Erin) McKee, Grant McKee and Patricia (Turner) Southall, great grandchildren Matthew McKee, Rory McKee, Emmett Englert, and due on Diane’s birthday, baby Eleanor Diane Englert, Piper Southall, brother Doyle (Janice) O’Neal and sister Pamela Short along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Diane grew up as daddy’s little “Tomboy and Helper” from the start following in her dad’s every footstep. She built her career as a home economics and classroom teacher of 28 years, but her main career was her husband of 63 years, her children, her animals, her home and her yard. Diane co-owned the AG Supermarket, later called the Piggly Wiggly and the Sears Store.

Diane was a lifelong cattle farmer of 57 years alongside her husband and boys. Daily she could be found in the cowpens and chicken houses gathering up feed. She could also be found daily in the farm truck, side by side or lawn mower, and occasionally on a tractor, always managing the farm and her children. Diane’s lawn was like a petting zoo with swans, peacocks, miniature horses, fowl of every kind, deer, goats, and dogs. Her love of animals was second only to her love of family and love of God. Diane and Gip not only farmed, but in their retirement they enjoyed spending lots of time traveling the world together. They never forgot to bring stories and pieces of their trips back to their children and grandchildren.

Diane was almost always busy working on the farm or in her home, but occasionally she went out and about to town. She always carried an air of elegance about herself. With her beautifully curled red hair accompanied by her glitz and glamorous jewelry and clothes, you would never know she had been working in the garden or wrestling swans just hours prior. As her granddaughter said, "she was a true testament to how a lady and woman should act." Diane also believed in an immaculate house, meals, deck, and yard with thinking of details as small as vacuum tracks, palm trees, ferns, hanging and potted flowers and mowing lines.

Diane instilled values into her children and grandchildren that will last a lifetime: Love of God and family, hard work, honesty, and love of animals. Diane will forever be on our minds and in our hearts.

Visitation will be Friday, February 6th, 2026, 5-7pm, at Thornton Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 7th, 2026, 1pm at Rocky Valley Cemetery in Mount Ida with Bro. Greg Bland and Bro. Josh Harper officiating. Pallbearers are Michael McKee, Grant McKee, Stephen Englert, Turner Southall, Jacob Hill, Cody Roberts and Brandon Jackson.

Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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02/02/2026

Gary James Duke

Gary James Duke, 78, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, January 30th, 2026. He was born, August 3rd, 1947, in Norman, Arkansas to the late Arley Matthew and Ethia Evelyn (Cogburn) Duke. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister Janie (Charles) White.

Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years Evonne (Pearson) Duke, and their children: Arlon (Ginger) Duke, Anton (Kristin) Duke and Angela Duke Martin; grandchildren: Mackenzie (Chris) Bland, Ashton Martin, Blaklee Martin, Emily (Daniel) Sepulvado, Ashley Duke, Katie Duke, Caroline Duke and Joshua Duke, great-granddaughter: Zadie; nieces and nephews; Susan (John) McGee, Paul (Angela) White and Mark (Julie) White; and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Norman, Arkansas; the service will be at 12 p.m. with Bro. Jeremy Graves officiating. Burial will be at Mount Gilead Cemetery. A Visitation service will be held at Grace Valley Church, 10576 Collierville Road, Collierville, Tennessee, on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm.

Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home.

We celebrate the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God. His life was rooted in Jesus, family, and faith, and he lived each day with purpose, gratitude, and love. Family was his greatest joy.

He was a hardworking provider who encouraged others, spoke truth with kindness, and reminded us daily to “make it a good day.” He had a special way of making people feel seen and valued, reflecting Christ in every interaction.

Proud to serve his country, he often offered a salute as a sign of respect and honor. Today, as he goes home to Heaven, we return that salute with love and gratitude.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

His favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31:

“Those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

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