Lucy Joan Thornley was born on January 18, 1940, in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at Emerald Nursing Home, where she had resided for the past four years

A graduate of Red Oak High School, Lucy moved to Omaha to attend college. It was there that she met and fell in love with Virgil Thornley. They were married on August 9, 1959, and shared 57 years together.

Lucy dedicated 35 years to running a home daycare. She had a profound love for children and made a lasting difference in the lives of many. Her personal interests included sewing, crafting, and decorating for the holidays. She also enjoyed collecting dog figurines and other cherished knick-knacks.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; her son, William Thornley; her brother, Charles Whipple; her sister, Maryann Waterman; and her parents, Henry and Lena Stanton.

She is survived and dearly missed by her daughter, Diana Thornley; grandsons, Joshua, Aaron, and Justin Thornley; granddaughter, Emily Walters; and great-grandchildren, Justin Lee Thornley Jr. and Madison Thornley; along with many other family members and friends.

A service will be held at Sunset Hill Baptist Church, 9416 Pacific St, Omaha, Nebraska. The date and time are currently pending.