Virginia "Jenny" Thornton

Virginia "Jenny" Thornton, 59, of Nevada, Mo., passed away April 4, 2016, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo. Jenny Thornton was born July 22, 1956, in Virginia Beach, Va., to William and Katherine Jean Berry Bedwell. She was united in marriage to Michael Thornton, from this union two boys were born.

Before beginning her battle with cancer, Jenny worked for many years in fields assisting disabled people. She was most recently employed for 10 years at Cedar Ridge School in Nevada, Mo.

Jenny had a strong love for her family and made a point of being involved in their lives. It began with her dedication as a Scout Leader, and Den Mother, and later ascended to her greatest accomplishment, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also enjoyed her flowers and gardening.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Bedwell. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Thornton, of Nevada, Mo.; her sons, Michael Thornton and wife, Jessica, of Nevada, Mo., and William Thornton of Butler, Mo.; grandchildren, Shelbie Cox and husband, Monte, of Leavenworth, Kan., Jerron Thornton, of Nevada, Mo., Tyler Phelan, and Layla Thornton, of North Kansas City, Mo.; great-granddaughter, Aubriana Cox; and future great-grandchild, Aspen Cox. Jenny is also survived by a sister, Debbie Adams and husband, Larry, of Butler, Mo.; brother, Kelly Bedwell and wife, Sandy, of Purdy, Mo.; numerous nieces and nephews; parents-in-law, Lester and Carolyn Thornton, of Nevada, Mo.; brother-in-law, Mark Thornton and wife, Joan, of Plano, Texas; and sisters-in-law, Susan Thornton and Shirley Garnett, both of Nevada, Mo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mullinax Funeral Home of Butler, Mo. (660-679-0009). A graveside service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, April 9, in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Mo. No visitation. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice or Heartland Hospice. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com