August 26, 1962 – November 5, 2025
Paula “Kelli” Thornton, 63, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Nora Springs Care Center.
The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Kelli was born on August 26, 1962, in Boulder, Colorado, and grew up in Charles City, Iowa, where she was raised by her mother, Irma “Nana” Goddard. She graduated from Charles City High School and went on to attend North Iowa Area Community College, earning her CNA certification. Throughout her career, Kelli worked in several care facilities and hospitals in the area, finding the greatest joy in caring for the elderly. Kelli met Darin Thornton through a mutual friend in the fall of 1983. The couple was married in the summer of 1985 and blessed with two children, Sarah in 1986 and Hunter in 1987. Though the couple later separated, they loved their children dearly.
Those who knew Kelli will remember her as a fighter who never gave up easily. She was tough, spirited, and full of life. She had a soft spot for underdogs and a fascination with the macabre and unloved. Kelli loved rocking out to her favorite band, Mötley Crüe, and was an avid reader of James Patterson and Anne Rice. She also adored her Harley and embraced life as a proud biker chick. Kelli showed the world that being yourself is the coolest thing you can be.
Those left to cherish memories of Kelli are her children, Sarah Thornton, and Hunter Thornton (Chloe Hamilton); siblings, Michelle, Michael, Michael, Sasha, and MaryAnn; her grand furbabies, Vincent, Lilly, and Daisy; friends, Marlys, Nan, Wanda and Carol; former husband, Darin Thornton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Kelli is preceded in death by her mother; beloved pets, Lola, Misha, Nikki, and Mandy; and dear friends, Jim, Henri, Paulie and Ozzy.
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