Nancy Fees Thornhill

Nancy McCallion Fees Thornhill, 66, of Taylor, AZ, and formerly of Tempe, AZ, died on April 9, 2007, in Lakeside, AZ, after suffering a stroke. Nancy was born on March 13, 1941, in Phoenix, AZ, to John and Olga "Nonnie" McCallion. Nancy spent her childhood in a loving home consisting of her parents and sister Janey and her parents' best friends, Albert and Jennette "Nett" Koster, and their children, Christian and Susan. She was very active in sports and graduated from Tempe High School in 1959. She became a teacher after graduating from Arizona State University in1963 and taught school at both Gilliland and McKemy Junior High Schools in Tempe. She also later taught a college adjustment course at Arizona State University. She married Sam Fees in 1964. He was the father of four children, Samuel, Patricia, David and Brian. They added John to the family in 1967, Nancy's only child from "scratch" as she liked to say. Nancy married Gordon Thornhill in 1980. They made their home in Tempe until around 1990 when they moved to Taylor. She began a new chapter of her life in Taylor and truly loved the close-knit community and quality of friendships that were forged during this time. She enjoyed her membership in the LDS church, especially working with the cowboys on the church ranch that Gordon managed. Nancy had a great capacity for enduring friendships and motherly love. She was mother and grandmother to many and loved them all dearly. Some of her fondest memories are with Gordon and their grandchildren in Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, her parents, John and Nonnie McCallion and Nett and Albert Koster, and two stepsons, David Fees and Kirk Thornhill. She is survived by her children: John (Melissa) Fees, Eric (Rachelle) Thornhill, Margo (Ray) Morse, Gyle (Debra) Thornhill, and Nick Thornhill, as well as 17 grandchildren. Nancy is also survived by her siblings Jane (Richard) Stark, and their children Kristy and Patrick; Susan Koster, and her child Katherine; and Christian (Sandra) Koster, and their children Erik, Jess and Emily. The funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 in Taylor at the Taylor LDS Stake Center at 11:00 A.M. There will be a viewing at the stake center starting at 9:30 A.M. the morning of the funeral. Nancy's burial will immediately follow the funeral at the Taylor city cemetery. A memorial service will also be held on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. at the Tempe LDS Stake Center, located at College and Alameda in Tempe, AZ. Because of the loving care she received at the hospice facility, in lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be given in Nancy's name to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Dr., Lakeside, AZ, 85929.