Thornton Funeral Home

06/02/2026

Susann Marie Knott

Susann Marie Knott, 84, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away Monday, June 1st, 2026, at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. She was born January 31st, 1942 in Shelby, Iowa.

Susann was a proud volunteer at the Heritage Museum in Mount Ida and served as secretary on the board of directors of the Sims Volunteer Fire Department.

She has been cremated and there will a celebration of life at a later day. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Susann Marie Knott's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Ruth Warnick

Ruth Warnick, 92, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, June 1st, 2026. She was born October 18th, 1933, in Alamo, Arkansas to the late Dewey Clinton and Julie Rachel (Nelson) Killingsworth. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband Thurman Warnick, son Dewey Warnick, brother Lucky Killingsworth, sisters Lafern Ross and Barbara Neely, daughter in law Melissa Warnick and her great grand-daughter Serenity Sweeten.

Ruth is survived by her daughters Twilla (Jeff) Schaefer and Mary (Richard) Myers, her son David Warnick, 7 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, her brothers Tex (Gearlene) Killingsworth and Don Killingsworth, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 4th, 2026, 4-6pm at Thornton Funeral home Chapel. Graveside service will be held Friday, June 5th, 2026 1pm at Howton Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

View Ruth Warnick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/18/2026

Edward "Ted" Lincoln Cannell

Edward Lincoln Cannell (Ted) passed away at age 74 on May 17, 2026 while in hospice at CHI Hospital, Hot Springs Arkansas.

Ted was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Charles and Martha (Osgood) Cannell.

In 1970, he was an honors graduate from Huron High School. Ted achieved Surveying and Mapping certification in 1985 and Arkansas licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor in 1986. He worked in the land surveyor profession for 15 years, serving a term as the Montgomery County Surveyor starting in 1993.

In 1975, Ted married his wife of 50 years, Mary Giant Cannell. They had one child, Heather Michelle Cannell.

In 1979, Ted and Mary moved south from Ann Arbor. Ultimately, settling in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of rural Montgomery County where they built their dream homestead.

Ted was a skilled vocalist, instrumentalist, writer, and producer. Music was his passion. He wrote and recorded his original works in his home recording studio "Backwoods Productions." Over the years, Ted stayed connected and performed with his "JOB" high school musician friends, as well as local musicians.

Ted is survived by his wife, Mary Giant Cannell, daughter, Heather Michelle Cannell of Arkansas and his brother John and wife Bonnie Cannell of Ann Arbor, Ml.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Martha Cannell.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mt. Ida, Arkansas.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mt. Ida, AR.

"Peace came upon me

And it leaves me weak

So sleep, silent angel

Go to sleep”

View Edward "Ted" Lincoln Cannell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Jim Ford Goodner

Jim Goodner of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 64 surrounded by the love of those who cherished him most.

Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.F. and June Goodner, and by two beloved children, Brooke Lynn Goodner and Aaron Ford Goodner, whose memories remained forever close to his heart.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Cindy Goodner; his daughter, Chastity Goodner; his grandson, Blake Seals; granddaughters, Jadelynn Goodner, Izabella Lozier, and Abree Goodner; his precious great-grandchildren, Collin Seals and Hayznn Whorton; his beloved brother, Mark Goodner; and his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Mayo, who was like a son to him. He also leaves behind many family members and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Jim found his greatest joys in the outdoors, where he loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in the peace of nature. Gifted with skilled hands and a determined spirit, he was truly a jack of all trades. There was little he could not build, repair, or accomplish, and he was always ready to help anyone in need.

Known for his warm smile, outgoing nature, and generous heart, Jim had a remarkable way of making others feel welcome. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him.

Jim’s memory will live on through the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

View Jim Ford Goodner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Ida Lou Searcy

Ida Lou Searcy, 86, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away, Friday, April 24th, 2026. Ida was born October 8th, 1939, in Faxon, Oklahoma, to John David and Lorene (Dunnagan) Rawlinson. She is preceded in death by both of her parents and her daughter Chrystal Petty.

Ida is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 45 years, Dan Searcy, her daughters, Cathy (Jim) Rea of Spring, Texas, Julie (Larry) Vick of Benton, Arkansas and Dana (Jeff) Bolding of Gravette, Arkansas, grandchildren, Scott Wheeler, Spring, Texas, Nathan (Ashley) Vick of Reno, Nevada, Travis Vick of Austin, Texas, Savannah (Chelsea) Wallace of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jayden Bolding of Gravette, Arkansas and Jax Bolding also of Gravette, her siblings Grady (Chris) McDonald, Jim (Karen Stroud) Collins, Edward (Scherrie Tuttle) Collins, Sharon (Steve) Kennard, Rose Mary (Gary) Childs, her lifelong best friend, Katherine Bridges, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her love, strength, and vivacious spirit were not only the glue of our family, but the heart of it.

She was a woman who deeply cared for everyone around her, always making sure those she loved were looked after and never without comfort. Her warmth, laughter, and lively attitude could light up any room, and her presence brought joy to all who knew her. Her memory will live on in every life she touched.

She carried herself with grace and resilience, always giving of herself and putting family first. Her strength was quiet, but it carried in generations.

She shared a deep and lasting love with her husband. A bond that was admired by all who witnessed it. Together they built a life centered on love, devotion, and family.

Her love for dance was like no other. There was nothing that suited her vibrant and joyful spirit more than swing dancing and two-stepping.

Her legacy lives on in the family she created and cherished, the lessons she taught, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Love like hers does not fade; it will remain with us always.

May she now be at peace reunited with her daughter, Chrystal.

Arrangements were made and directed under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guests may register at thorntonfh.com

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04/13/2026

Timothy "Tim" Craig Shaw

Timothy Craig Shaw, 68, passed away on April 12, 2026, at his home in Mt. Ida. He was born in Hot Springs to Dean and Emma (Dunaway) Shaw on November 8, 1957. He was preceded in death by his Parents, and Grandparents, Audie and Bertha (Gray) Shaw of Sims and Maternal Grandparents, Ira and Faye (Godbehere) Dunaway of Pencil Bluff.

Tim grew up in Little Rock and Hot Springs. He graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 1976. And attended Garland County Community College. Tim experienced several jobs before starting his career with the Department of Transportation on the Surveying Crew, where he worked until his retirement in 2013.

He is survived by Sisters, Debra Crowley Walker of Pea Ridge, and Donna (Dennis) Reyer of Sims. Daughter, Sabrinna Shaw of Norman and Son Matthew Shaw of Ozark, Arkansas. A Special friend and Mother of his children, Diana Shaw. Uncles Larry (Linda) Dunaway of Mena, and Eugene Gossett of Sims. Tim is survived by several Shaw cousins.

In his free time, he searched for Indian Artifacts and was creative in making displays for them. He was a master carver, from tree stumps to little people. Tim was a sports fanatic, for all teams but really a Razorback fan at heart in every sport.

Services will be held at Lone Valley Church in Sims, Thursday, April 16th, 2026, visitation 1-2pm and service at 2pm with Brother Dakota Barrett officiating. Burial will be at Pencil Bluff Cemetery

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

View Timothy "Tim" Craig Shaw's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/09/2026

Dawn Carolyn Reed

Dawn Carolyn Reed, 72, of Story, Arkansas, passed away, Thursday, April 9th, 2026, in Mount Ida. She was born June 10th, 1953, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Ray Vaughn and Ruby Marie (Stewart) Reed. She is preceded in death by both of her parents.

Dawn is survived by her son Jarrod (Sandi) Purifoy, her daughter Lori (Jimmy) Pender, her grandchildren Jack Nutt, Layne Pender, Alex Purifoy, Brooks Pender and Jett Pender, her brother Vaughn (Sharma) Reed, her partner Jeff Kinney, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of Dawn’s life will take place Friday, May 1st, 2026, 10am at Muddy Creek Church of God with Bro. Jim Pender officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

View Dawn Carolyn Reed's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Sharon Marie Dyer

Sharon Marie Dyer, 71, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, April 6th, 2026. She was born October 6th, 1954, in Bakersfield, California, to the late Walter Calvin and Doris Gladys (Axberg) Marth. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband Gary Dyer, brother Charlie Marth and sister Sandy Kilpatrick.

Sharon is survived by her daughters Desiree Dyer and Marci Stonewall, son Sean (Briana) Dyer, grandchildren Bryan, Nathan, Kristin, Gage and wife Kendall, Johnny and Hazel, great grandchildren Evelyn and Tallie, brother Dennis Marth, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends. Sharon was a member of Community Outreach Ministries and cherished her church family.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/30/2026

Sue Carole Gillham Blair

Sue Carole Gillham Blair

July 11, 1939 – March 25, 2026

Sue Carole Gillham Blair, 86, of Story, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 25, 2026, surrounded by family and the sound of hymns. A "spitfire" from day one, Sue was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Later, her family moved to a farm in Texarkana, Arkansas where she later graduated from Arkansas High School. She attended Texas Christian University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Henderson State University.

Sue spent most of her life in Story with the love of her life, Jimmy Blair. Together, they turned their farm into a sanctuary for family and friends. While famously feisty, Sue was also deeply motherly, serving as an honorary parent, grandparent and friend to many. Their home was a place of farm animals, puzzles, laughs, home-cooked meals and bottomless cups of coffee. It was a feeling as much as a location.

A woman of many passions, Sue was a talented artist and seamstress, an avid reader and a festive decorator. She kept people laughing until they cried without any effort and remained gloriously unfiltered until the end. If Marlboro Reds and Big Red gum are allowed in Heaven, we know she’s happily picking up those old habits again. Her faith ran deep, and she was honored to be a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy, and her parents, Dan and Bertha Gillham. She is survived by her daughters, Pat Mazer and Dana (Thomas) DeAndrea; grandsons, David (Natasha) and Daniel (Brenda); her brother, John Gillham, and her nieces, Kelly Daniel, Heather Gillham, Mary Beth Gillham and Lindsey Gillham Thompson (Josh), along with three great-grandsons, two great-nephews and three great-nieces.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Story, but her joy lives on in those blessed to have known her. Thanks for making life fun, Sue.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Reed Cemetery in Story, Arkansas. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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03/17/2026

Leva Mae Storni

Leva Mae Storni, 91, of Story, Arkansas, passed away, Monday, March 16th, 2026, in Hot Springs. She was born March 5th, 1935, in Pensacola, Oklahoma to the late Glen and Stella (Graham) Howerton. She is preceded in death by both parents, great granddaughter Chloe Phillips and her brother Bill Howerton.

Leva is survived by her husband of 12 years, Loren Storni, sons Donnie and Ronnie (Shari) Phillips, daughter Janette Leasure, grandchildren Cory, Kyle and McKenzie, 5 great grandchildren, sister Glenda Stone, nieces, nephews along with a host of other family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Leva’s Life held at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church, located at 3586 Hwy 270 E, Mount Ida, AR 71957 on March 27, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com