Obituary of Beverly M. Thornton

Beverly M. Thornton With sadness, Beverly passed away peacefully the morning of June 8th, 2025. She was born June 20th, 1936 in Dewitt, NY, daughter of Rena & William Besemer. Her early school years were in Fayetteville, NY, eventually moving to Bainbridge and graduating with the Class of 1954 at the Bainbridge High School. On June 23, 1959, she married Rexford Thornton, who predeceased her on May 29, 2017. They raised their 3 children and worked their farm in Bainbridge for many years. Bev devoted many years to the Board of Elections. She happily helped with the Annual Clifford Crouch Pig Roast and she spent many, many Saturday’s at the Methodist Church in Bainbridge volunteering for the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. She was a member of the BG Alumni Association, the Bainbridge Sportsman’s Club and the Union Valley Methodist Church. Bev had a passion for knitting, blessing many far and wide with her homemade creations. Just days before her passing she retired her knitting needles while working on her last knitted hat. She spent many summers sitting behind Rex on the school bus travelling with the BG High School band. Bev was predeceased by her husband, Rex, her parents, her brother Raymond, and her sisters, Peg, Martha and Thelma. Bev is survived by children and spouses, Corleen & Jerry Winn, Bainbridge, Gregg & Christine Thornton, Bainbridge, Marleen Ostrander & Mark Laing, Franklin. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Greg & Molly Winn, Dustin & Kristen Winn, Tiffany Winn, Bridget & Tom Fuller, Theresa & Jonathan Schaeffer, Marissa & Mike Wagner, Kori Thornton, Trent Thornton, Garrett Scott, Amy Houck. She is survived by several Great & Great-Great Grandchildren and many special Nieces and Nephews and bother, Douglas Besemer. The family would like to give special thanks to all that cared for Bev to make her last few months comfortable. A special thank you to Hospice and Helios. To her care givers, Gail, Jamie, Anna, Bella, Alecia and Bridget, your care of Bev did not go unnoticed and was very appreciated. To Hope, Bev loved all the adventures and the many trips to Boudreaus. At her request, there will be no service. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held at the Bainbridge Sportsman’s Club on July 13th, 2025 from 12:00 to 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Beverly’s name to HeliosCare and Hospice. Condolences may be shared with the family online at landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction CH Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.