OLATHE — Charla Ann Thornton, peacefully departed from this world on Sunday, March 10, 2024, after bravely battling Multiple Sclerosis for many years. She was 68 years old.
Charla was born to August Edward and Vada Lorene (Folck) Freund on Sept. 7, 1955 in Escondido, Calif. She was a 1973 graduate of Great Bend High School.
Charla married Darren Keith Thornton on May 24, 1975 in Chase, Kan. Charla owned and operated a beauty salon in Chase, prior to moving their family to Hoisington, Kan. While in Hoisington, she was employed at the USD 431 Board Office and Superior Essex. The family then moved to Russell, Kan. and Charla worked in the home health care field.
At the tender age of 28, Charla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a relentless disease that she valiantly fought for decades. Throughout her journey with MS, Charla remained an inspiration to all who knew her. She faced each day with courage and determination, never allowing her illness to define her. Charla cherished the simple joys of life, finding solace in spending time with her family and nurturing her artistic passions. She is known for her infectious laughter and radiant smile, which could brighten even the darkest of days. Her positive outlook on life and her ability to find joy in the midst of hardship touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Charla leaves behind a legacy of love, courage and grace that will continue to inspire us all. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is finally free from pain and suffering, and that her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Darren Thornton of Paola, Kan.; her daughters, Danielle Tyler of Gardner and Leslie (Mike) Reese of Shawnee; her son, Jonathan (Dorothy) Thornton of Denver City, Texas; her grandchildren, Alexis and Joey Tyler, Ellie, Mia and Rigley Reese and Jace Thornton; her siblings Mike (Debbie) Freund of Great Bend, Mary Kay (Bruce) Kelm of Shawnee, Eric (Kathy) Freund and Mark (Vina) Freund, both of Hutchinson; brother-in-law Steve (Sandy) Thornton of Russell; sister-in-law Sheryl (Jimmy) Bass of Chase; and last but not least, extended family and friends too numerous to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel, 14275 S Black Bob, Olathe, KS. To leave a message for the family, visit www.Penwellgabelkc.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Though she may be gone from our sight Charla will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us with her love and light until we meet again.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home
14275 Black Bob Rd.
Olathe, KS 66062
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 16, 2024
