Thornton, Dorothy “Dot” C. (nee Shinabargar), passed on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the age of 81.
Dot was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Richard. She was a loving mom to Terri Thornton, Rick (Debbie) Thornton, and Julie (Dave) Welch. She was a cherished grandma to Jennifer (James) Sanwald, Josh (Kristin) Welch, Faith Thornton, Chelsea Thornton, Austin Thornton, and Allison Pierce. And, she was extremely proud to be “Grandma Dot” to her adoring great-grandchildren Nellie, Kaylee, and Louie. She was preceded in death by her dear parents, Bernadine Pohlman (nee Hunt) and Cleo Shinabargar, and siblings Charles Shinabargar, Carl Shinabargar, and Johnny Shinabargar. She was a friend to many.
Dot worked in administrative positions in the construction industry while her children were in school. Later she attended St. Louis Community College and ultimately graduated from Webster University with degrees in Education and Psychology. Although she intended to pursue her Masters In Social Work and was a geriatric training scholarship recipient for the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, she withdrew from the program to take care of her ailing mom and step-dad. Through the years, she generously volunteered her time and talent to various organizations, such as Feed My People Food Pantry, St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Center, and Mary, Mother of the Church.
Dot was an avid bridge player, and she enjoyed great friendships with the members of St. Simon Bridge Club, Garden Club, Jolly Girls and Red Hat.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity, Catholic Charities of St. Louis or American Heart Association are greatly appreciated.
I fondly remember my first meeting of Dot and Richard and their children when I was in college and had just met my father Carl, Linda and Jimi. She greeted me so warmly and with a wonderful graciousness that I have long since admired. I regret not spending more time getting to know her and would like to have all her loved ones know she is in my thoughts and prayers.
I fondly remember my first meeting of Dot and Richard and their children when I was in college and had just met my father Carl, Linda and Jimi. She greeted me so warmly and with a wonderful graciousness that I have long since admired. I regret not spending more time getting to know her and would like to have all her loved ones know she is in my thoughts and prayers.