Linda Mantooth Thornton

May 19, 1950 - February 25, 2002

Linda Ruth Thornton, 51, of Norman, OK, died on Feb. 25, 2002, in her home after a long battle with breast cancer. Family and friends mourn her passing but celebrate the gift of Lindas life, knowing she made the world a better place. Linda was born on May 19, 1950, to Wes and Ruth Mantooth of Lindsay, OK. She grew up on the family farm and graduated as class salutatorian (1968) from Lindsay High School. At the University of Oklahoma she met and married Ron Thornton (1970) and earned her BA, MA, and PhD (1977) in English and French. Two children and many, many students at the Oklahoma City Community College were nurtured, instructed, and inspired by Linda. She taught English and directed the Honors Program at OKCCC for 21 years (1979-2001). One of her favorite teaching activities was traveling to libraries in small towns across the state, leading discussions about books. Her favorite hobbies were reading, sewing, quilting, and more recently, raising chickens. Linda is survived by her husband, Ron Thornton, and son, Jeff Thornton, of Norman, OK; daughter, Amy and son-in-law, Erich Cosgrove of Springdale, Ark.; mother, Ruth Mantooth of Lindsay, OK; and three sisters, two brothers and their spouses; Betty and Guy Garrett of Richardson, TX; Jim and Robbie Mantooth of Port Angeles, WA; Mike and Pat Mantooth of Floresville, TX; Jo Ellen and Jon Howard of Hurst, TX; and Marilyn Walloch of North Richland Hills, TX. They shared many wonderful times together, including gatherings at different family homes and at other reunions. Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Lindsay, OK on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Monty Baggett and Chaplain Harry Smith conducting the service. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay. Memorials may be sent to the Oklahoma City Community College Honors Program, c/o Pat Berryhill, 7777 S. May Avenue, OKC, OK 73159.