Gloria Mae Thornhill died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the age of 72.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with inurnment at Black Hills National Cemetery following.

Gloria was born April 19, 1937 at Rapid City, SD to Vernon and Hazel Gilman. On March 8, 1957 she married Phillip "Shorty" Thornhill. Gloria lived the last 43 years in Nisland. She had a love of collecting cookbooks, the older the better. She also had a love of corresponding with everyone, if she knew your address and your birthday and/or anniversary; you would be remembered with a card in addition to her annual Christmas newsletter. She also had an overflowing love of animals. Her elephant collection was outstanding.

She is survived by her sister Glenda (Lee) Iverson, Spearfish; her children: Deb Thornhill, Custer, SD ; Jim Thornhill, NC ; Shanda (Butch) Schunot, Ft. Pierre, SD ; Starla (Alan) Jenson, Brookings, SD; Skyla (Bob)Magnus, Racine, WI; Phillip Thornhill, Newell, SD; Tela (Blain) Keener, Spring, TX; Kentt (Jodi) Thornhill, Hill City, SD; a special niece Kecia Gennarelli, Walden NY, whom she helped raise; 21 grandchildren and 12 great- grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister and one brother.

A memorial has been established to the Spearfish Humane Society in lieu of flowers.