Thornton Funeral Home

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.

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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

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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

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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

03/17/2026

Marie Noles

Marie Noles, 92, of Story, Arkansas, passed away Monday, March 16th, 2026, at the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas.

She was born April 4th, 1933, in Chula, Arkansas to the late France Oliver Bryant Mabry and the late Vesta E. Lydia Austin Mabry. On February 23rd, 1952, she was united in marriage to Alvie Gene Noles. Marie was a hard-worker thru-out her years, housekeeper and worked at Hwy 27 Fishing Village. When she retired she loved fishing. She volunteered several years at Mt. Ida Thrift Store. She had such a loving spirit, always wanting to help and provide for anyone in need. She loved to cook and make pies for her church, where she was a member of Prairie Grove Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and 3 sons Gary Noles, Terry Noles and Harry Noles, 2 brothers, Bill Mabry and Oliver Mabry.

She is survived by her children, 1 daughter Velda and her husband Wayne Duncan of Story, Arkansas, 1 son Larry and his wife Sandy Noles of Russellville, Arkansas, 6 grandchildren, Tony Duncan, Jeremy Duncan, Nicholas Noles, Jill Noles Bennett, Michael Noles and Brad Noles, 9 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces, 1 sister, Mavis Ferguson, 2 brothers Donald and wife Joan Mabry, Ricky and wife Teresa Mabry.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 19th, 2026, 10am at Muddy Creek Church of God in Story, Arkansas with funeral service at 11am, Cemetery with Bro. Josh Harper and Bro Ed DePriest officiating. Burial will be immediately following at Reed Cemetery. Pallbearers: Tony Duncan, Michael Noles, Nicholas Noles, Brock Duncan, David White and Tommy Johnston. Honorary pallbearers: Charles Scantling, Brenda Minton, Janie White, Teresa Mabry, Montgomery County Nursing Home, friends and acquaintances. 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

Stuart Orin Schmitt

Stuart (Stu) 0 Schmitt Mount Ida AR.- Stu Would like to let you know that his work here is done. On March 15, 2026. He received his last set of orders he could not refuse for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This appointment comes with great reward. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be Fishing, Flying, Dancing, Playing with Crystals, and sitting around a poker table having happy hour sharing love, laughter and memories with family and friends whom he has not seen in a long time.

We want him to know that he truly made the most of his time here on earth. He lived with generosity and love, giving far more than he received and leaving behind a legacy of joy and kindness. His bright smile, wise counsel, zest for life has filled our lives with unforgettable moments and cherished memories that will stay in our hearts forever.

Stu’s life took many turns. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa and raised in the small town of Nichols IA., where according to rumors he stirred up as much trouble as possible. He played Basketball, Baseball and even was a Cheerleader. He was Salutatorian of his class (His senior Class had 3 other students that year). He attended Iowa State university and joined ROTC program and received his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. Immediately after Graduation married his wife of 61 years Sandra Daly. He joined the Navy, became a pilot and flew over 200 Missons in Vietnam. He retired as a Naval Captain as a Test Pilot and "Top GUN" F-14 Fighter Pilot with Thousands of flight hours and almost 1000 carrier landings. He has received many Medals Including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After retirement, he and his wife Sandy settled in Mount Ida AR. With new adventures he taught Avatar, became a Quartz Crystal Miner, Started Crystal business, Mastered Fishing, and Even managed to donate to the local Friday night poker games. He was a man who made an impression on many lives.

Thank you everybody who helped make his long journey so memorable.

Stu is survived by his wife Sandra Schmitt, sister Sandi Hyett, son Stuart (Chip) Schmitt along with many other family members and friends. He preceded in death by both of his parents, Ralph and Bea McMahon Schmitt.

We invite all his family and friends to his funeral service at Mountain Harbor East Pavilion 181 Clubhouse Drive Mount Ida, Arkansas, Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 2pm with Father Joseph Shantiraj officiating.

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

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03/11/2026

William Rex Henry

William “Bill” Rex Henry of Pencil Bluff, Arkansas, passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on January 30, 1947. Bill was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late William Henry Jr. and Ruth Louise (Lipps) Henry and was the oldest of four children.

He served in the Army for three years during the Vietnam War. After moving to Pencil Bluff, he worked as a tree farmer.

Survived by his brothers Kevin Lee Henry of Bend, Oregon, and John (Remy) Henry of Pencil Bluff, and Sister Christine Marie (Henry) Spanbauer (Christopher) of Bend, Oregon.

Bill will be cremated and a memorial service is planned for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Pencil Bluff Baptist Church with Bro. Mitch Odem officiating.

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03/09/2026

Gloria Diane Gaston

Gloria Diane Robbins Gaston, age 77, of Norman, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. She was born on February 1, 1949, to Floyd and Violet Robbins. Diane lived a life centered on caring for the people she loved. She devoted herself to taking care of her mother, her brother, and her beloved husband, Lonnie Gaston, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her niece, Anita Clifton and her husband John; her nephew, Larry Robbins, Jr. and his wife Linda; as well as a great-niece and great-nephews and great- great-nieces. She also held a special place in her heart for her husband’s family, whom she loved as her own. Diane also leaves behind her dear friend, Isaac Richart, along with the puppies and cats she adored.

Diane enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time fishing and sharing meals and memories with family. Some of her favorite treats were her mother’s chocolate gravy and chocolate pie, her sister’s hot rolls, and Anita’s sugar cookies.

Diane will be remembered for her caring heart and her devotion to family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at Thornton Funeral Home, 211 Luzerne Street, Mount Ida, Arkansas, on April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gaston Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Guest register at www.thortonfh.com

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