Linda Leigh Thornton

Linda was born on October 31, 1943, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Norman Roger and Alyce Mae Pelton Tollefson. She spent her early years in Denver, Colorado, before moving with her family to Riverton, Wyoming. When her parents relocated to Shirley Basin, Wyoming, she lived with her grandparents, T.A. and Florence Tollefson, and attended high school in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she graduated. She later pursued higher education at the University of Wyoming.

It was during a college break, working in Shirley Basin, that she met the love of her life, George A. Thornton (Butch). The two were married on July 13, 1963, in Medicine Bow, Wyoming. They began their married life in Medicine Bow, where they welcomed their first child, Betsy Elizabeth. The family then moved to Casper, Wyoming, where Butch attended Casper College and worked, and where their second daughter, Tracey Lynne, was born.

Through the years, the family made homes in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, Flagstaff, Arizona, and eventually Saratoga, Wyoming, where their third child, a son, Matthew David, was born. Saratoga became a beloved home where Linda and Butch raised their children and Linda built cherished, lifelong friendships during her 15 years there. Later moves took the family to Laramie, Wyoming, and eventually to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where she and Butch retired and enjoyed time with their grandchildren.

Linda’s primary career and greatest joy was being a homemaker, dedicating her life to raising her family. She also provided childcare for two very special families, loving the children as her own. A natural caregiver, she was compassionate, loyal, and deeply devoted to her family.

Linda and Butch shared a love of the outdoors, spending countless hours camping, hunting, and fishing. They were dedicated supporters of the University of Wyoming athletics and enjoyed cheering on the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Linda was also an avid cook, gardener, and reader, and never missed a single one of her children’s events.

Beyond her home, Linda was active in her community. She co-led the youth group, Fellowship of the Carpenter, served on the boards of the United Church of Christ, and the Developmental Preschool for many years, and together with Butch, co-chaired United Way of Albany County.

Linda’s most cherished role, however, was that of grandmother. She poured her time, love, and energy into her grandchildren, creating special memories that will live on in their hearts.

She is survived by her children Betsy Skelcher, Tracey McMackin (Jerry), and Matthew Thornton (April); brother James Tollefson (Vicky); sister Marge Groom (Stan); and many nieces and nephews, whom she adored. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Wynne (Hagen McCormick) and Alec (Mickayla) Burg, Brooke (David Wiegel), Ryan (Kaitlyn), and Kolten (Jayla Brehmer) McMackin, Reece and Nick Thornton, Shannon Skelcher (Justin Earnshaw), and seven great-grandchildren, Quinten and Caspen Burg, Alaina and Cian McCormick, Brecken and David Jr. Wiegel, and Krue McMackin.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Alyce; husband George (Butch); son-in-law Shelldon Skelcher; father and mother-in-law, Aldon and Virginia Thornton; sister in laws Vivian Tully Yenne and Virginia Gregory.

A private family celebration of life will be held, where her ashes will be spread alongside Butch’s in their beloved mountains.