Nancy Rawson Thornton

Nancy Zina Rawson Thornton, 62, of Fairfield, CA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 5, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and musical talent. 

Nancy was born May 21, 1962, in Ogden, UT, the daughter of H. Dee Rawson and I. Carolyn Rawson. She attended schools in Shelley, Idaho, graduating from Shelley High School. After high school, she attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho and Utah Valley Technical college in Provo, Utah. Nancy married Kevin H. Thornton in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple on June 7, 1986. 

She devoted her life to being a wife, a mother, and homemaker. Nancy was blessed with the gift of music. She sang in both church and community choirs, performed as an entertainer at local and private events, and co-authored two country western ballads. She also wrote several Christian songs and a Christmas musical pageant with her husband, Kevin.

In California, Nancy taught music at her children’s elementary schools and encouraged her children to perform concerts with her at assisted living centers. She was a member of the Fairfield community choir ‘The Dulcetones' for several years.

Nancy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as children’s music leader, choir director, and music chairperson. She also served as a worker in the Oakland Temple for two years, where she cherished the peaceful atmosphere and the people she worked with.

Nancy was known for her loving and warm character, the remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went, an infectious laughter, and the ability to make every occasion memorable. She loved to play games and was often asked to lead games at family reunions, ensuring everyone had fun.

Nancy is survived by her husband Kevin of Fairfield; son, Jacob Thornton of San Fransisco; and daughter, Cara of Fairfield, CA; her brother, Brent Rawson of Houston, TX; her sisters, Deann Cooper of Idaho Falls, ID, and Marie Kapp of Hyrum, UT; and her cherished granddaughter, Kylie Heinig. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dee and Carolyn Rawson.

A funeral will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (2700 Camrose Avenue, Fairfield CA). There will be a viewing prior to the service from 10 to 11 am. 

A funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, Shelley. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast on Nalder Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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