Iris Thornton

Iris E. Thornton Battle Creek, 96, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility in Battle Creek. She was born May 8, 1914 in Climax, MI the daughter of David and Gladie (Pearce) Force. She married Vern E. Thornton on October 13, 1932 in Battle Creek. She moved with her family to Johnstown Township in 1937 where she lived for 47 years. She then moved to Lake Placid, Florida in 1978 and there she married the late Lloyd Sowers with the marriage ending in divorce. While in Florida, she was a "Pink Lady" at the Lake Placid Hospital auxiliary. She later moved back to Battle Creek in 1991. She worked for Eaton Mauby during WWII, then was an Assistant Cook at Clear Lake Camp from 1962-65. She also worked for several years at Pattison Fabric Shop and for 3 months for Sunset Acres in Barry County. She retired in 1976 after working 6�yrs. as a file clerk for Transamerica Life Insurance in Battle Creek. Iris was a life Member for 69 years with the Bedford Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 471, where she held many offices and star points. She became a Foster Grandparent while in Battle Creek. She attended Urbandale United Methodist and Dowling Country Chapel. Iris enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting, playing bingo and liked to keep busy. She is survived by her children, Judy (Jerry) Haight of Kalamazoo, MI, Alan and Linda Thornton, Delton, MI and Nancy Thornton of Delton, MI; 3 grandchildren, Andrew Thornton of Kalamazoo, MI, Alison Thornton of Kalamazoo, MI and Erin Thornton of Delton, MI; great-grandson, Maxwell Thornton and great-granddaughter, Addison Thornton. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Bessie Baker, Walter David Force, and Goldie Albery. A memorial service and luncheon for family and friends will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bedford Masonic Lodge with the Order of Eastern Star and Chaplain Tim Smothers conducting the services. Interment of Cremated Remains will be at the Banfield Cemetery in Johnstown Twp., MI. Memorial tributes may be made to the American Cancer Society and Saladin Shrine Foundation for Children. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145.