Alberta Ray Thorne

Alberta “Birdie” Ray Thorne, devoted wife and beloved mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, known as Grandma Birdie, loving sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026 at the age of 84.

Alberta was born on April 23, 1942 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Charles (Curly) Porter Hale, Jr and Ruth Cluff. Her family lived at her Grandpa Hale’s home on the dry lake bed between Nevada and California. This was on the road to Nipton, CA.

They moved back to Las Vegas to go to kindergarten at Fifth Street Grammar School. She attended 5th through 8th grade at the new West Charleston Grammar School (now Howard Wasden). She remembered the names of most of her grammar school teachers and the principal throughout her life.

In August, after her 6th grade year, she was bitten by a diamond back rattlesnake, which greatly changed her life. She skipped 7th grade because of all the treatments and surgeries she had to undergo.

She graduated from Las Vegas High school. She loved history, geography, and art classes of all kinds. She was sociable and kind, and an energetic cheerleader. She had her first job while in high school at the El Cortez Theater on Fremont Street.

Alberta married Dan C Thorne on July 21,1960. She’s the proud mother of three children, who remained the center of her world throughout her life. She devoted her life wholeheartedly to her family, offering unwavering support. She was her family’s greatest cheerleader, and every child and grandchild felt like they were her favorite.

Alberta worked at Rancho Circle Florist. She was also an accountant for Landmark Pharmacy, Village East Pharmacy, and ETEC. She also enjoyed working showrooms at the World Market Center.

Alberta has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since age 8, and has faithfully served in many callings throughout her life. Her greatest joy in church service was in serving the youth and serving the sisters in Relief Society. She also loved doing genealogy work and serving in the temple. Her strong testimony and steadfast faith served as a guiding example to her family and all who knew her. She had a special way of making everyone feel important…like she was their best friend.

She loved being a chaperone on the Youth Church History Trip for 30 years, headed up by Ginger Ewell. The youth all adored her and her fun personality and energy.

Alberta is survived by her children, Craig C Thorne (Leslie), Scott D Thorne, and Michelle R Blair. She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren: Tyson Blair, Cameron Blair (Melissa), Hayden Blair, Logan Blair (Lisa), Zachary Thorne, Alayna Thorne, Jordan Galloway, and Dallas Ramirez (Julio). She was further blessed with 3 great-grandchildren: Ivy, Arden, and Cassidy, and another great-granddaughter is due in December. She also leaves behind 8 nieces and 10 nephews. She is survived by her husband, Dan C Thorne, her brother, Arthur Hale, and sister-in-law Gayle Hale.

Alberta was preceded in death by her parents Charles (Curly) and Ruth Hale, and her brothers Chuck Hale and Milton Hale.

Her legacy of faith, kindness, devotion, and unconditional love will live on through the family and friends she cherished so deeply. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT

DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME

A visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7885 W Robindale Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89113, US, on August 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on August 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Palm Mortuary - Eastern, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123, US, on August 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm.