Jean Marie (nee Butler) Thornton, age 61 of Hobart, passed away Saturday January 16, 2016 at home, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on May 25, 1954 to the late Charles and Mary Jane (nee Galler) Butler. She will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Jean is survived by sons, Matthew Andrew Merkley of Hobart, Joseph Charles Merkley of Seabrook, TX; brother, Thomas (Twyla) Butler of Hobart; sisters, Denise (Jim) Williams of Naperville, IL, Sue (Terry) Jacobs of Madison, IN, Carla (Steve) Houck of Hobart, Marcia (Brad) Thompson of Palatine, IL; sister in law, Wanda (Gary) Sims of Pittsfield, IL; many nieces and nephews and her faithful furry companions Uggs and Coco.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, David Thornton.
Memorial donations may be made in Jean's honor to Visiting Nurses Association, 2401 Valley Drive
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.
A Memorial Service for Jean will take place Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart 46342. A Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday January 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.