Eleanor Bernice “Elly” Thornton, 61, entered the presence of her Savior on the afternoon of Monday, April 14, 2025, at her home in Wheatland, surrounded by her loving family and friends. After a courageous journey, her battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) has ended, and she is now at peace.
Elly was born on Saturday, June 8, 1963, in Torrington, the daughter of Paul George Joseph and Beverly Jean (Nelsen) Wiggins. She spent her early years in south Florida before the family returned to Lingle, where she graduated from Lingle/Fort Laramie High School. After graduating, Elly went on to earn her associates degree in finance, which greatly contributed to her successful career in banking.
As an adult, Elly lived much of her life in Bremerton, Washington, before returning to Torrington, where she began working at First State Bank. It was during this time that she met Walt Thornton, with whom she shared a beautiful love story. They were married on April 22, 2017, and made their home in Wheatland, where Elly devoted herself full-time to caring for their home, supporting her family and embracing the meaningful joys of daily life.
Elly cherished the beauty that was filled by life’s quiet wonders. She loved spending time outdoors, taking camping trips with Walt, admiring wildlife, gardening, watching birds, and listening to music. But above all, Elly found comfort in spending time with her family, friends, and church family.
Elly leaves behind a legacy of kindness, a heart that made any house a home, and an enduring positivity that touched all who knew her. She had an infectious laugh that all enjoyed immensely.
Elly is survived by her devoted husband, Walt Thornton of Wheatland; her beloved mother, Beverly Nelsen of Torrington; her children, Desiree and Jeremy Dworak of Cheyenne and Reynaldo Martinez, Jr. of Tempe, Arizona; her step-sons, James (Courtnee) Thornton and Jonathan Thornton, both of Wheatland; her siblings, Larry Blakeman, Marvin (Tammy) Wiggins, Randall (Cindy) Wiggins, Karen (Mike) Schultz, and Florence (Glen) Davis; and her step-grandchildren, Avelyn Thornton, Jensen Thornton, Maddison and Anastacia Dworak, and great-granddaughter Paizley Dworak.
She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Wiggins.
A memorial service to celebrate Elly’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Wheatland, with Pastor Phil Benson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Elly’s honor to the Elly Thornton Memorial account at Platte Valley Bank that the family will use to help support research for PSP and support local community benevolence.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com
