Obituary of Ella L. Thornton

Services were held for Ella L. Thornton who passed away on January 10, 2018 at the age of 96. Ella was born on April 9, 1921 in Soquel, California to Louis J. Fassio and Jennie M. Camis Fassio. Ella attended local schools graduating from Santa Cruz High in 1939. In 1941, as he was beginning his service in the Navy, Ella married Jim Merlin Thornton. After the war they bought their home on the Westside where Ella lived until her passing on Wednesday. Ella worked in the hospitality industry, vegetable packing and with her husband Jim she owned the Seaside Tavern. Ella was a member of Santa Cruz Isabella Rebekah Lodge #17 for over 60 years. Ella loved cats, traveling and being with her extended family, especially her sister in law Francis Day with whom she had many adventures over the years. A life-long proud Democrat, Ella read two newspapers, front to back, every day and enjoyed discussing and debating events of the day. She had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit which made her a joy to be around. Ella is survived by her brother Richard Fassio, brother-in-law Wayne Thornton (Marie), many nieces, nephews and extended family members and her beloved "Mama Cat". She was preceded in death by her husband James "Jim" Merlin Thornton, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Lora Fassio and sister-in-law Pat Fassio. The family would like to thank her caregiver, Barbara Gonzales, for the wonderful care, comfort and companionship she gave Ella the past few years. In her memory the family encourages donations be made to: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA, 95066