Linda Shaw Thornton, 66, of Midland, passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018 surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland. A reception at the Branch at NPW will immediately follow the service.Linda was born on June 24, 1952, in New Castle, PA, to William O. Shaw and Jean K. Shaw.Anyone who knew Linda well could appreciate her feisty, tell-it-like-it-is spirit. She also knew that being silly and laughing at oneself was one of the best outlets in life, and this was a trait she passed on to her children and grandchildren. As a wife, mother, and friend, Linda was a treasure, always speaking with her heart, always leading by example. And as a teacher for 23 years, Linda's passion for her students was evident when, year after year, many returned to visit her after they'd graduated from her classroom.Linda is preceded in death by her parents, William and Jean Shaw. She is survived by her husband, Risher M. Thornton IV, of Midland, daughters Kelly (Hiram) Henriquez of Miami, FL and Sara (Keith) Valentine of Midland, sister Joan (Mike) Gruitza of Hermitage, PA, and brother Tom (Lorrie) Shaw of Gainesville, GA. Linda also leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren who were the light of her life – Noah and Lucas Henriquez and McKenna, Caroline, and James Valentine.The family would like to express their gratitude toward Linda's friends, many of whom she considered her extended family; to her wonderful doctors and nurses at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston; to the nurses of Home Hospice in Midland; and to everyone else who encouraged and supported her with love the past two years.In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial gifts may be made in Linda's honor to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland, TX. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
