Sue Thornton

Albuquerque, NM – Sue Thornton, 94, died January 9, 2024 at home in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by family. Sue was dedicated to raising her four children and making sure they had the foundation to flourish. She was also married to the love of her life. At the time of Kenneth’s death, they had been married 72 years.

Sue was born December 26, 1929 in Spur, TX to Harry Elton Blenden and Ruth Elizabeth Bennett. Her very early years were during the Great Depression. Her family was lucky to own a grocery store so did not suffer the same shortage of food and supplies so common for that time. Sue graduated from Lockney High School in 1947 and started nursing training at Memorial Hospital and Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX. On April 4, 1948 she married her high school sweetheart James Kenneth Thornton in Floydada, TX. Sue’s main focus during her early marriage was being a good mother to her 4 children and a supportive, loving wife to her husband. In later years Sue was a school bus driver for Bloomfield Schools in the 1970s and a realtor with Realty 1 in Bloomfield for several years. Her retirement years unfortunately found many health issues which she fought bravely.

Sue is preceded in death by her husband James Kenneth; her parents and two brothers, Harry Easton Blenden and infant James Platter Blenden. She is survived by son Terrell (Lynn) of Albuquerque, NM, son Kelton (Karen) of Flower Mound, TX, daughter Susan Guthrie (Ed) of Garland, TX, and son Kyle (Carol) of Albuquerque, NM; a brother Dick Arthur Blenden of Carlsbad, NM and one sister-in-law Vera (Rae) Thornton of Lubbock, TX: eight grandchildren, Nathan Thornton of Albuquerque, NM; Kathryn Burnett of The Colony, TX; Kimberly Zaunick (Grant) of Flower Mound, TX; Dale Guthrie (Brooke) of Kingsland, TX; Clara Sue Guthrie of Garland, TX; Kenneth Guthrie of Garland, TX; Collin and Connor Thornton of Albuquerque, NM; thirteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

The family wishes to thank the hospice employees of Gentiva Hospice for their excellent end-of-life care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to French Funerals and Cremation, Albuquerque, NM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 am at French-Lomas on 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 87112. The graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery on 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.