Rhea Mary Thornton

Rhea Mary Thornton, 76, of Dover died Monday, March 29, 2004 in Union Hospital.

She had worked for several area businesses including: Snyder Manufacturing, Twin City Glove, D&D, Bobbi Brooks and at Union Hospital where she worked in the kitchen.

Born December 26, 1927 at Dover, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Leona Striker Page.

Rhea was a woman of strong faith, having begun her personal walk with Jesus in 1958. As an active member of the former Hi-Way Baptist Church, she was a youth leader, Sunday school teacher and member of the choir. For several years, she had also served as a counselor and cook at Pine Lake Camp in Caldwell, Ohio.

For nearly forty years Rhea expressed her creative touch through flower arranging, basket making and ceramics. Much of her work over that time has been passed along to friends and family members. She had an innate love of animals and a passion for looking after the wildlife near her home. She also enjoyed traveling and especially looked forward to her trips to the beach in South Carolina.

Above all, Rhea had an incredible love for her family. She treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even had hopes for the four great-grandchildren that will be born later this year.

On August 28, 1946, Rhea married her best friend, Eugene Edward Thornton, who passed away November 10, 1994.

She is survived by: six loving children, Eugene “Gene” Thornton of New Philadelphia, Rhea A. (Eric S.) Hay of Dover, Twila F. (Raymond) Frye of Dover, Tonya K. (Marion) Gordon of Dover, Pamela J. (Kenneth) Heacox of Louisville, KY and Vanessa L. (Jim) Edwards of New Philadelphia, a dear friend of the family, Jane Thornton of Dover; 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth (John) Samsa of Beach City; and four brothers, Horace Junior (Nancy) Page, William (Juanita) Page, L. Wayne (Barbara) Page all of Dover, and Jeremiah (Luenetta) Page of Tuscarawas.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rhea was preceded in death by: a son, Neil Adair Thornton; grandson, Raymond Gene Frye II; brother, Arthur Eugene Page; infant brother, Jack Paul Page; and an infant sister, Lois Mauretta Page.

A funeral service that celebrates her life will be held Thursday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover. Rhea would be proud that her services are being officiated by her son-in-law, Pastor Kenneth Heacox. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends may call in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Rhea by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com