Susan Thornhill
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Surrounded by her loving family, Susan Kay “Sue” Thornhill, 59, of Clark passed away at her home on Thursday July 26th, 2007 after a brave fight with melanoma. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 4th, 2007 at Sturgeon Christian Church in Sturgeon, MO. She was born in Moberly, MO April 24th, 1948 to Lawrence and Moreen Gehlken, living her entire life on the family farm near Sturgeon. Susan was a respected and dedicated employee for over 30 years at the University of Missouri, spending most of her time in the General Services Building. For more than 10 years, she also enjoyed a part-time job, where she made several friends as a cashier/greeter at Sam’s Club in Columbia. Though continuing to work part-time for the University, she retired from full-time work in 2005 to baby-sit and spend time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Sturgeon Christian Church, past member of the Lutheran Church in Centralia, and a volunteer for numerous organizations including The United Way, Sturgeon Rec Center and various social and fundraising efforts in Sturgeon. Susan was an avid Sturgeon Bulldog athletics fan and supporter, and enjoyed her pets and spending time working in the yard planting flowers and trees. Susan’s biggest thrill and calling in life was caring for other people. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She’d never let a day pass without talking to or spending time with them. Survivors include former husband, Gary Thornhill, a daughter, Lisa Sexton and her husband Michael, two sons, Jason and his wife Leslie, and Brian. Forever missing her love and guidance will be grandchildren Amber, Coty, Cooper, Kenley, Naythan and Hanna, due in November. Also surviving is brother, Larry Gehlken. She was preceded in death by her parents, whom Susan loved and cared for immensely. Susan was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many. She will be truly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to her memorial fund at First National Bank in Columbia. In addition to supporting Susan’s favorite charities, the family will be donating a tree to be planted on the grounds at the University of Missouri in memory of Susan.
Visits: 5
Mom,
I come here often to see your face and read your obituary. It makes me feel good to see the memorials left by some of the people that admire you. We are all doing ok, but miss you more than words can explain. It’s still hard to beleive your gone, I would give anything to have you back. All of your grandbabies are doing wonderful and your new one is almost here. Look for her in your bedroom, I suspect you’ll keep an eye on her, and that’s where she’ll be. We all love you and miss you. I cry for you almost everyday, hopefully it will get easier. I hope you enjoy being with Grandma & Grandpa again, I know that you missed them just as much as I miss you now.
Take care. I love you Mom.
I was stationed with Larry Gehlken in Winter Harbor, Maine. My condolences about Susan. I am in Warsaw, Mo- the Chuckwagon BBQ.
john
Lisa, Jason, Brian and families, I hope that the many wonderful memories you have of your mom will provide some comfort in the weeks ahead. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she loved you all so much. Know that my arms are wrapped around you and I’m hoping the prayers of all who loved you and your mom will lift you up. She was a wonderful friend and I miss her greatly.
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I had heard that Sue was ill and you have both been in my thoughts and prayers for some time. I was out of town last week and was unable to attend the service.
Jan
Lisa and Family
I was sorry to hear aboutyour mother and grandma. Wishing you all the best
Chuck Carlson
We were so sorry to hear of Susan’s illness. She was such a beautiful person. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Dear family members,
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Susan will sorely be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing what a great person she was.
My prayers have been with each of you during Susan’s illness and I will continue to pray for each family member during your time of grief.
Knowing her faith, she is now in a place with no pain or suffering.
May God bless each of you and provide you with comfort.
Lisa and Amber, I am so sorry to hear the news about your momgrandmother. I know the three of you shared a special bond of family and friendship. I enjoyed watching you three together. My thoughts are with the two of you (and the rest of your family) during this difficult time. I hope you will draw upon your own strength and the strength of loved ones that hold you in their thoughts. I know you will miss her greatly.
Condolences to all of Sue’s family. She was a treasure to know and an inspiration to all during her illness
Jason & Leslie
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great mother and grandmother. Here is my favorite poem for you. I know how much she loved you all. A mother’s love never ends.
Forget Me Not
Forget me not, for I am there
In the beat of your heart,
On the wing of your prayer.
Forgive me my parting and leaving you thus,
A joyous reunion is waiting for us!
Continue to strive toward your goal and be brave.
Know that my love didn’t stop at the grave.
My spirit is with you through good times and bad.
I share all the joys and the sorrows you’ve had.
Feel my presence within your next breath
And realize there’s no distance in death.
Ask for my help and I’ll answer your call.
Reach for my hand when you stumble and fall.
Run the last mile with a smile on your face.
My arms will be waiting when you finish the race.
Always remember, my love is right there
In the beat of your heart,
On the wing of your prayer.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Lisa,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. If you need to talk, I’m always available.
I am so sorry to hear about Sue. I remember her from her time in the General Services Building and remember she always had a smile on her face. What a wonderful person she was!
Sue was one of the first people I met when I began working with the University Physical Plant back in 1979. She was always so organized, efficient, and helpful! Her dedication to her job, her family, and her faith was a wonderful example to us all. Every Christmas, she worked especially hard purchasing, collecting and delivering toys for the Salvation Army. We will miss you, Sue. May God Bless those you have left behind!
Susan was my supervisor at the univeristy of missouri for six months, but even ten years later I still consider her my favorite boss ever. She will be missed.
Jason and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Sue was a great lady and will forever be remembered for all she has done for the Sturgeon community. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
I knew Sue through the Univ. of MO. I always enjoyed our friendship however, we were just casual acquaintances; Sue always spoke to me and extended herself in every situation. Heaven is much brighter today because of her presence.
My condolences to Susan’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Susan during her years at Mizzou and when I was there as well. Though no longer @ Mizzou, I know she was respected and valued. She was always pleasant towards everyone she encountered. John Humlicek, Champaign, Illinois
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sue for many years in Campus Facilities and United Way campaigns. She was a very caring individual and a special friend. She had a wonderful smile and always listened with her heart. She will be missed.
Jason,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. I loved working with your mom, she was such a good person and loved by all.
With Our Sincere Sympathy.
May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories.
Jason,
I’m so sorry. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You and your family are in our prayers.
Jason, although I did not know your mother, I wanted to express my sympathy for your loss. May your heart be healed and may you be comforted by the memories of the days you spent with her and the knowledge that she is in a better place.
You and your family are in my thought and prayers during this most difficult time.
Jason and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. Although I have not seen or spoken with her in years I remember her well and the great spirit she carried with her. I hope and pray that you and your family can find the strength to carry you through this difficult time. God Bless.
Sincerely
Clint
WE have in in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for you loss. If you or your family needs anything let us know please.
We are so sorry for your loss, please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt condolences from one melanoma warrior family to another.