Susan Thorne Obituary

Susan Orr Thorne

1946 - 2023

Our beautiful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Susan Orr Thorne, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her family who completely love and adore her.

She came into this world on August 14, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT. As the baby of the family, she was doted upon by her six older brothers and one older sister. Her parents, Milton Orr and Delsa Warr Orr, owned a Feed Mill and later a bowling alley, "Delton Lanes" in Granger, UT, right across the street from their family home. Susan spent her growing up years playing and working at the family businesses. She became quite a proficient bowler and could out bowl her husband and any one of her kids, even as she aged!

As a young girl, she loved to play with the many cousins and other family members that lived close by. She enjoyed sports and was quite a tomboy. She attended Monroe Elementary, Valley Junior High, and Granger High School. She was involved in many things at Granger High, including cheerleading, pep club, class officer, girls state, and was a sterling scholar. Susan was an excellent student and accomplished much before graduating in 1964.

It was at a church sock hop that she met her future husband, Ron Thorne. They began dating and fell in love. He asked her to marry him nearly every day for six years! They went to every high school dance together, where she was crowned queen all three years. She waited for him while he served a church mission to London, England. Finally, after six years of dating, he convinced her to marry him and they were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 20, 1967, by his mission president Marion D. Hanks. Their love story is one for the ages. They have been best friends and have created a beautiful life together. They ran a successful home building business together, where Susan kept the books and made everything run smoothly. Ron will also tell you that everything he is in this life is because of Susan. He's not wrong! They had 5 children, 4 sons and 1 daughter and have resided in South Jordan, UT for the past 50 years.

Susan's children will tell you that she was the best mom in the entire world. And she was! A true angel. She supported them through their many extracurricular activities. She drove them thousands of miles to practices, recitals, and games. She did countless loads of laundry. She had a hot meal on the table every night. She was present in those teenage years when they needed her most and always showed them what unconditional love was. Her kids absolutely loved to make her laugh. She had the best laugh and would laugh so hard that she would cry. It was so contagious and would make the rest of us cry with laughter as well!

Perhaps her favorite title was "Grandma". She was the epitome of what a grandma should be. She loved her 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren fiercely. Making each of them feel like they were her favorite. She always had time for them, and they will miss her immensely. They all loved to be read to by her, have sleepovers, and go birthday shopping. Oh, how she spoiled them! She created many family traditions, such as the pumpkin carving party, gingerbread houses, the 24th of July party, Lake Powell and the Oakley rodeo. We will carry the traditions on, but they will never be the same without her. When it came to the grandkid's activities she was their number one fan. You would often find on her cupboard the grandkid's weekly schedules including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, dance performances, choir concerts, plays, piano recitals, and primary programs. You name it, she was there and she felt horrible if she had to miss.

Susan was a pro when it came to Sunday dinners. There were not many Sundays that she didn't gather her family together for dinner. Her family will forever have a picture emblazoned in their minds of her in her apron, making pot roast, rolls, and mashed potatoes and gravy. And her true specialty, rice pudding! These were treasured times.

Susan loved to work in her yard and plant flowers to make it beautiful. She liked to read and was in a book club for many years. She loved to watch all sports. She especially followed BYU football and the Utah Jazz and was a season ticket holder to both for many years. She always had a secret crush on that cute little John Stockton!

She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints her entire life. She was a true disciple of Christ and her testimony shone brightly through all she said and did. Some of her favorite callings were nursery leader, Young Women's Presidency, and Relief Society Presidency. She also enjoyed her time working at the Jordan River Temple.

Some of the phrases that we have heard describe our wife and mom are: "She didn't have a mean bone in her body", "She never said an unkind word", " She was the best person I've ever met". We would have to agree. We feel fortunate to have been loved and served by this incredible woman.

To our dear wife, mom, and grandma: We are so thankful that you are no longer suffering, but we don't know how we will ever go on without you. You were all that was good in this world, and you made us better. The knowledge that we will see you again makes it okay. Until then, please stay close by, please let us feel your love. We miss you so very much and we love you!

Survived by her loving husband Ronald Thorne and her adoring children: Justin (Melissa) Thorne, Jenny (Brandon) Gunnell, Josh (Erika) Thorne, Jeremy (Julianna) Thorne, Jake (Tasia) Thorne

Grandchildren: Hanna, Brendan, Chelsie, Aaron, Jonah, Gracie, Isaac, Gabe, Ruby, Madeleine, Nick, Alex, Sadie, Teagan, Kai, Ella, Lyla, Oliver, Saylor, Indie

Great Grandchildren: Aizlee, Charlotte

Preceded in death by parents Milton and Delsa Orr and siblings Dean, Brent, Scott, Max, Gary, Shirley and Dick.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 2450 W. 10400 S. South Jordan, UT. Viewings will be on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home located at 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT and on Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at South Jordan City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com