Wilma Mae Stroebel was born May 6, 1932, in Boise, Idaho, and passed away December 31, 2022. The oldest of four daughters born to William Stroebel and Ella Olivia Ficht, Wilma grew up on a farm east of Kuna. Her father milked cows and farmed while her mother tended chickens and a large garden. Wilma helped milk cows and do other farm chores. She topped corn, hoed onions and "drove derrick" for hay harvest. Wilma attended Kuna schools and soon discovered a love of books and reading, a love that continued throughout her life. She participated in many activities during her school years, including sports and editor of the yearbook. She graduated as valedictorian from Kuna High School in 1950. After high school, Wilma attended Oregon State, graduating in 1954 with a degree in home economics. She taught one year at Wilder High School and two years at Kuna High School. She married a high school classmate, Lavar K Thornton, on July 21, 1956 in Kuna. Children soon followed: Bradley in 1957, Anne in 1960, Layne in 1961 and Connie in 1962. Their family was sealed in the Odgen Utah Temple in 1977. Lavar and Wilma began their married life farming west of Kuna. In 1961 they purchased the farm where Wilma grew up, then in 1962 started expanding the farm south of Kuna. She helped design a house there in 1973, and then again with their current house in 1993. A partner in the family farm, Wilma helped however needed, whether doing the books or driving to town for a tractor part or preparing a substantial mid-day meal. Wilma's activities and interests reflected her strongly held values of family, church and community. She was a homemaker extraordinaire. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and creating a home for her family. She taught many others to cook and sew through 4-H, sewing classes and Relief Society. Dad said she always made his sandwiches "just the way I like them." Many enjoyed her tender rolls, perfected pies and oft-requested mint brownies. She enjoyed (and very often hosted) family gatherings, and she loved having her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her. She was proud of her family and loved to watch them participate in sports, music and other activities. Wilma was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and demonstrated her valiant testimony of Jesus Christ by diligently serving in many callings, including ward and stake Relief Society president, stake public affairs director and temple worker. She served on the school board for the Kuna School District for many years, including a stint as chairman. For more than 10 years, she and Lavar volunteered on the steering committee to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Kuna. Wilma and Lavar traveled extensively to visit family and attend important events. Particularly in later years, they traveled the world on many cruises and excursions. Wilma wrote about her life: "I have had a good life. I always wanted to go to college and to be a teacher and a stay-at-home wife and mother. Marrying a farmer was 'icing on the cake.' And, Lavar was that icing piled high." She is survived by her husband, Lavar; children Brad (Julie) Thornton, Anne Thornton, Layne (Lori) Thornton, and Connie (Troy) Roberts; sisters Ada (Larry) Graves and Julia (Ron) Tolsma; 13 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Amy Nazzaro, daughter-in-law Lisa Thornton, and grandson Matthew Roberts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kuna Boys and Girls Club-Capital Campaign, c/o B&G Club of Ada County, 610 E 42nd St, Garden City, ID 83714. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 224 E. Avalon, in Kuna. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, and once again, prior to the services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. A ZOOM link has been provided for friends and family who are unable to attend the services. Click on the yellow "Watch Event" at the bottom of the service time and information. https://my.gather.app/remember/wilma-thornton Note: For friends and family who are international, copy and paste this ZOOM link into your browser: International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/achERYOulS
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