Courtney Heather Thornton

Courtney Heather Thornton, 27, of Colfax, passed away on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007 in Ellensburg, WA of injuries received in an automobile accident.

Courtney was born April 28, 1980 at Mt. Vernon, WA to Terry and Linda (Sutherland) Gillespie. She was raised and educated on Orcas Island, WA, graduating in 1998 from Orcas High School. Courtney’s love of animals started at an early age and she became involved in the area’s 4-H program. She especially loved horses and through the years received many different awards.

Following graduation Courtney attended Washington State University where she fell in love with the Palouse and all it had to offer. After several years Courtney transferred to Walla Walla Community College where she graduated with a 4.0 grade point avg., in Farrier Sciences.

Courtney met Brian Thornton in 2001 and their friendship began, culminating in their marriage on June 2nd of this year. They made Colfax their home and in 2005 Courtney went to work at the Bank Of Whitman, where she enjoyed meeting and serving the community of Colfax. She was the vault teller for the Colfax branch at the time of her death. She had an infectious personality and everyone Courtney met had a special place in her heart.

Courtney enjoyed life and all it offered. She loved animals, and their dogs were special to both Courtney and Brian. Her many interests included fly fishing, scrap booking, back roading and visiting all of the small towns of the Palouse. Courtney also had a passion for coffee.

Courtney is survived by her husband Brian of Colfax; her parents Terry and Linda Gillespie of Orcas Island, WA; her brother Sean Gillespie and his wife Rebecca their daughter Katie of Lake Stevens, WA; paternal grandmother Patricia Mortenson; maternal grandmother Margaret Macri and her aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles and cousins; her father-in-law and wife Rod and Diana Thornton of Pullman; her mother-in-law and husband Barbara and Chris Gehring; her sister-in-law Amber Thornton and nephew Taylor of Pullman; and 2 brothers-in-laws Tanner Thornton of Reno and James Cole of Lewiston.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17th at 2 p.m. at the Colfax United Methodist Church in Colfax, WA.

Memorials are suggested to the Whitman County Humane Society or to the Courtney Thornton memorial fund through the Islander Bank, PO Box 699, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245.