Nancy A Thorne

Nancy was born on July 10, 1935, in Lincoln, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Ilton C. Thorne Jr., in 1954, and together they shared nearly 59 years of marriage until his passing in 2013. Through the years they built a family grounded in faith, love, and service to others.

Nancy is survived by her loving daughters, Ginger Thorne, Pam Martin (Pete), and Jill Scott (Tim); her brother, Pepper Fisher; her sister, Karen Long (Larry); her grandchildren, Kyle Scott, Marissa Scott, Craig Scott, Chantel Goodwin (Mike), and Peter Martin (Jessica); her great-grandchildren, Skyler Martin, Dylan Martin, and Riley Martin; and her great-great-grandson, Ray Paul Martin.

For those who knew our Mom, the simplest way to describe her life is this: she belonged to Jesus Christ.

Her faith was not something she practiced only on Sundays; it guided the way she lived every day. Sharing God’s love with others was one of her greatest joys, whether she was teaching children, encouraging a friend, serving her church, advocating for those in need, or simply offering a helping hand.

Mom loved children and spent many years teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She brought Bible stories to life with enthusiasm, imagination, creativity, and a genuine love for every child she encountered. One of her favorite ministry partners was a full-size puppet named Rekrow (“worker” spelled backward), whom she taught herself to master. Nearly the size of a small child, Rekrow became a cherished part of her ministry as she used humor, storytelling, and faith to help children learn about God’s love. To Mom, being a “worker for Jesus Christ” was more than a name—it was a way of life.

Children held a special place in Mom’s heart. She loved their innocence, honesty, and ability to trust and love freely. She believed every child was precious in God’s sight and worked to ensure they knew they were loved, valued, and important. Through her teaching, encouragement, and example, she shared Christ’s love with generations of children.

Her servant’s heart extended beyond the classroom. She served as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children who needed someone to speak on their behalf. She also cared deeply for those living in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and rehabilitation centers, often befriending, encouraging, and advocating for those who needed support. As long as she was able, she faithfully drove others to church, helping them remain connected to the faith community they loved.

Whether through church ministries, community service, bake sales, visits with friends, or simple acts of kindness, Mom found countless ways to serve others. She believed every person was worthy of dignity, respect, and compassion, and she treated them accordingly.

Mom was also known for her warmth, determination, and occasional sass. She loved spending time with family, sharing stories, laughing together, and creating traditions that brought people closer. She had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and remembered.

Above all else, Mom wanted her family to know and love Jesus Christ. She taught her daughters about faith, prayer, service, and God’s love from an early age. The values she lived and the faith she shared continue to shape the generations that follow her. Her greatest legacy is not found in the things she owned, but in the lives she touched and the faith she passed on to her family.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that the faith she shared throughout her life carried her safely home to her Savior. Her legacy of love, service, compassion, and devotion to Christ continues in the lives of those she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life will be held on July 9, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Family and friends will be received beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 10:00 a.m.

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1