Marie Yaryan Thornton

BUTT, YARYAN, THORNTON

Posted By: Nancy Sackett (email)
Date: 2/13/2014 at 14:54:42

Marie Luella Yaryan was born Sept. 24, 1902, at Knowlton IA in Ringgold County IA and passed away April 12, 1983 at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas TX at the age of 80 years.
She was the daughter of John H. and Marcia Luella Butt Yaryan. Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers, Ralph, who died in infancy, and Rew, in 1968.
At an early age, Marie because a member of the Methodist church. She attended school in Knowlton, graduating from Diagonal high school in 1920. After graduation she attended State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, IA, and taught in rural schools and Diagonal, Rolfe, and Mt. Vernon schools, all the while furthering her education, later receiving a degree from Drake University.
Many many years of her life were spent helping others, working in Social Services in several regions of the state.
Marie started her life's work with the Iowa Dept. of Social Services on Sept. 1, 1943, as Junior Social Worker, being promoted all through the years, with a short leave of absence in the mid 1950's. She retired on May 17, 1971 as principal Social Worker and was adoption sepcialist with the top rating of principal Social Supervisor 5 at the Central Office.
While working in Washington DC, supervising and establishing national offices, Marie received a special recognition presented by Mamie Eisenhower, of which she was very proud.
Marie was united in marriage to Reuby John Thornton on June 23, 1972. They made their home in Stockton MO before moving to Youngstown, AZ, and later to Dallas TX to be near their family.
Surviving are her devoted husband, Reuby, two stepsons, Don and wife Frances of Dallas TX and Clair and wife Roberta of Rochester, NY; eight gtrandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Chrystal Yaryan of Des Moines and many cousins and friends.
One of Marie's talents was her musical ability which she shared with her friends, taking much pleasure in playing the piano, accompanying her father on the violin.
In their retirement years Reuby and Marie never ceased helping others, always showing concern for new friends which they made as their lives touched each day.
Funeral services were held at the United Church of Diagonal with burial in Centenary cemetery near