Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Kathryn Thornbrough Memorial
Kathryn Thornbrough Memorial

Kathryn Thornbrough

Kathryn Thornbrough

Saturday, September 18th, 2021

Kathryn (Kathy) Louise Thornbrough, 69, of Sedro Woolley, went to be with her Lord on Saturday evening, September 18, 2021.  Kathy was born on September 20, 1951 to George and Jackie Rowley in Fort Worth, Texas.

In March 1976 she married Harold Thornbrough and they began a life together in serving the Lord in pastoral ministry.  Kathy was a legal secretary before they married and continued until their first son Michael was born in 1978.  In 1982 the Lord blessed them with their second son, Jonathan. She loved being a mother, along with spending time with her parents, siblings and other family members.  One of their special times was our family gatherings during Christmas where she would play the piano while we all sang hymns and Christmas carols and then shared in a feast of food and fellowship. This is something that Kathy and Harold also did together with their Church family at each Church they served.

In 1980 they moved to Bradley, OK where Harold began his first pastorate and Kathy also played the piano, they served together in pastoral ministry in different Churches 41 years, currently at Valley Baptist Church in Sedro Woolley, WA. Kathy loved the Lord and gave her all in serving Him as a faithful wife, mother, and a faithful servant of the Lord in the Churches they served in.  As a loving mom she gave her all in raising our sons to know about Jesus and loving them with the love of the Lord, being a part of their believing in Him and being saved by His grace. She taught them what was really important in life and what loving others really involves. She also poured out her heart and life in teaching others about Jesus in every Church family they served in.  She especially loved pouring out her heart and love on her four grandchildren, teaching them about Jesus, showing that special love of a Granny, doing all the special things she did for each one of them, fixing them all the special foods they each enjoyed. She was also blessed with two more grandchildren and their mother Sasha, whom she was also having the joy of loving and getting to share her life and expressions of love to.

Kathy is survived by her husband Harold; sons, Michael, Jonathan (Sasha); her grandchildren, Nathan, Clayton, Caleb,  Aubrey, and their mother Sarah,  as well as new ones Mason and David; sister, Jeanie (Charlie) Lindsey, Jenny Lynn Offield; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews,  their families, in-laws, as well as many friends and the Valley Baptist Church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jackie Rowley; brother, Steve Rowley; brother-in-law Shorty Offield.

There will be a Memorial Service at Valley Baptist Church at 11:00 am on Saturday October 2, 2021.  Share your memories of Kathy and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Lisa Prentice

    I have known Kathy and Pastor Harold and Jonathon for twenty some plus years. Going to Valley Baptist Church being with them there and knowing there grandkids a blessing. Kathy was an amazing woman and dear friend. She did know how to do those retreats really well. She will be greatly missed. Praying for the family. Love Lisa, Matt, and Mariah Prentice

  • Debbie Collins

    I remember Kathy accompanied the Youth Choir at Tarrant Road Baptist Church. She was always so cheerful and happy.

  • Sandra finch

    Kathy was my SS teacher and a beautiful friend during her days at Bisbee Baptist. She did everything with her whole heart. She loves her her Lord and served Him well. My thoughts and prayers are now with Brother Harold and the rest of the family and friends. May God comfort you and give you peace.

  • Loys Gene Hobbs

    Mrs. Kathy was a blessing to me during her and Harold’s time at Vilott Baptist Church. Her strong commitment to serve was an example to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed greatly. Praying for all the family in this season of grief. Love and prayers from Callisburg, Tx.

  • Jan Mahan

    Kathy and I became friends as teenagers/young adults at Tarrant Road Baptist Church in Fort Worth. That friendship continued when we married, had children, and now grandchildren. As evidenced by these loving tributes, she impacted many over the years as God used her in ministry and service to both her physical and spiritual families! I’m confident her legacy will live on in all those who knew and loved her! Praying God’s comfort for all the family and those whose lives she touched.

  • Sasha Thornbrough

    Thank you so much for accepting me and being the greatest mother n law I could have asked for. I will miss our messages and pictures daily. I couldn’t wait to get to spend more time with you. I am so thankful at the one on one time we had together. Thank you for accepting me and my boys as your own. I will do my best to take care of your family just like I know you would have wanted. You will never be forgotten I promise you that. Until we meet again… I love and miss you so much. Love, your daughter n law. ❤❤❤ ~Sasha~

  • Cindy Jager

    Kathy and I met in one of those “only the Lord could have planned this one!” kind of way. We both agreed later on that it was so random, yet so “Him!” Our friendship grew quickly. Koos and I visited Valley Baptist Church one Sunday soon after and immediately felt like we were “home.” We spoke with Pastor Harold and Kathy and joined Valley a month later. Kathy’s God given gifts of teaching Sunday School and Bible studies, mentoring and leading prayer have been instrumental in my growth as a Christian woman. I often refer to her as one of my very best friends, but I’m pretty sure that every woman in every church she’s served at with Harold, has been made to feel the same way. She encouraged me, challenged me, corrected me, loved me, prayed with and for me and my family. She continually reminded us at the end of each Sunday school class to think on our lesson and pray for each other. Her entire life was truly lived serving the Lord, her family and others. There was no greater joy in her life than Harold, their sons and grandkids. She started a ministry in our Sunday school class that allowed Michael and the men in his Bible study group to receive Christmas boxes and special lunches along with cards and notes of encouragement throughout the year. We became Mama K and her crew! She and Harold faithfully brought Nathan, Clayton, Caleb and Aubrey to church every Sunday they were here. I’ve enjoyed listening to her tell about all the special things she was doing for them for every Holiday and their birthdays. She was so clever! Oh the menus she’d put together. They all got what they wanted for their birthday dinner. I remember one year, she planned and cooked for a week for everything Jonathan wanted! We laughed together a lot that week. We’ve laughed together a whole lot in the nine years we’ve known each other! Years ago, when it was time for the nominating committee to meet, I told her with all the things she’d asked me to help with, I should be given the title of ‘Pastor’s Wife’s Assistant .’ She enjoyed reminding me throughout the years that I was getting awfully picky with the jobs I was saying ‘yes’ to! Her creativity was endless. She somehow talked Kim Ruiz, LaJuan Hobson and I into being puppeteers for her. We performed for special occasions during church services, for fifth Sunday singalong, and for a Woman’s Retreat. Oh and how special she made those Women’s Retreats. I know I helped her with at least 7 or more of them. Pure joy! Each had a special message of living life as a Christian woman. Two years ago she did one on Heavenly SoleSouls with shoes as the example, and how we step into our heavenly shoes with salvation, step up by serving the Lord, and step out by sharing Jesus with others. Our most recent one was on Hat’titudes, and how we are to deal with any situation, no matter how hard, with an attitude of joy. We are to look for sparkles of joy, even in the little things. She challenged us to look daily for sparkles of joy and to record them. I will always miss her laughter, the projects that ‘should take a few hours’ but took five, and especially our lunches at Lorenzo’s which began at lunchtime and ended when they were ready to serve dinner! I miss my friend deeply, but even through my tears I can see a sparkle of joy. Kathy is wearing her Heavenly shoes, walking on streets of gold with her precious Lord and Savior Jesus.

  • Tonya Whitlock

    Kathy was a great mentor to me and so many others through the Word of God and her loving heart. From the moment her and Harold moved to Valley she gave myself and so many, so much of her time I’m not sure when she had time for her self. We had a constant joke about the 2 of us living the closest to church but somehow pulling in to church on the verge of late at the same time. Her strong witness of Christ was there even without words, her life told the story. I’m so thankful for all our conversations and her prayers. I’m thankful God placed her in our small town and gave me the gift of her friendship, a light that will be strong in my memory until we meet again in heaven. I pray Gods grace and comfort for Harold, Michael, Jonathan, Nathan, Clayton, Caleb and Aubrey. I pray that I may live by Kathy’s example and strife to represent Christ in the way she did, whole heartedly. Kathy has definitely left an irreplaceable void in our church. She recently said we must look for the sparkles in life even in the darkest moments, God never leaves us or forsakes us. I pray we all find the sparkles during this difficult time. Thank you to her wonderful family for sharing Kathy with so many. Much love and prayers.

  • Betty Gothard

    I know Kathy is with our savior. She is playing the piano. I loved to hear her play and she was the best Sunday School Teacher I ever had. I love the family and bro Harold I still miss you. Bisbee will never be the same. Praying for all

  • Jen Willis

    Kathy was my 2nd Mom and went above and beyond to encourage me and teach me what it means to be a Christian. She stood by my side during my darkest hours and the one time she wasn’t able to, she sent Harold in her place. She knew how much I loved her homemade rolls and made a point to always make some for me. She checked on me regularly, knew my heart and loved me despite of my short comings. She strengthened me and always had a way of making sure I understood God’s word. I am still mourning her passing and I am doing my best to take comfort in knowing I will see her again one day. Beyond blessed that she came in to my life and loved me. Praying for comfort for Harold, Michael, Jonathan and those precious grand kids that were her whole world. May she rest in peace and may we continue to live and praise the Lord as she would have. I love you Mama K!!!

  • Slayden family

    Just do not know what to say ,so numb and saddened at the loss of Miss Kathy. We have had many long deep conversations that have meant the world to me and guided me in the right direction. We love you Miss Kathy

  • Crystal Mulvahill

    I’m still at a loss for words……it was hard going to church this past Sunday and you not walking into Sunday School or playing the piano. You were so talented and gifted with your piano skills…..you are so loved and missed here on Earth. Praying for Pastor Harold, your boys, your precious grand babies, and the rest of your family as they try to navigate this life without you until we all see you again!

  • Peggy English

    Kathy was a dear sweet friend. I knew her when Bro. Harold pastored Bisbee Baptist Church. Kathy would play for me when I sang. She always made me sound good! One of Kathy’s favorite songs was “Because He Lives.” I know that I will one day meet Kathy at the gates of Heaven “Because He Lives”! “I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God. What a reunion that will be. My heart goes out to Bro. Harold. He is by far the best pastor we ever had. What a ministry he and Kathy had together. I know Bro. Harold will carry on preaching the Gospel and winning souls to Christ. I am praying for Bro. Harold and the entire family.

  • Tom & Ranae Frisbee

    Kathy was real blessing to us all. We will always miss her and our prayers are with the family. In Christ Love, Tom and Ranae

  • Maggie Frisbee

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Thornbrough family. Kathy was loved and will be missed deeply. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the Thornbrough’s when I was 6 years old.(22 years ago) when Harold was the pastor in Hamilton. Kathy is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. We have years of memories of going to church, and spending time together at church events, potlucks. We love you Kathy, you are missed by so many forever and always in our hearts.

  • Shawnie Short

    Pastor Harold & family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Not really a loss because we know where she is. She will be missed by many. Kathy was a beautiful Christian friend to me. She and I had many conversations about VBS, sharing ideas.
    I have been and will continue to pray for all of you to be strengthened during this difficult time. Love you all.

  • Judi Rowley-Phillips

    Kathy is my sister-in-law and Sister in Christ. I married her brother, Steve Rowley, in 2001. Kathy was always so loving to me and made me feel welcomed and loved. We enjoyed discussing the Bible together, and recently we were encouraging one another about the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ for His church.
    My heart is broken for Harold and the entire family, but I find comfort in knowing Kathy was longing to see Jesus. Psalm 16:11 In His presence is fullness of JOY and at His right hand are PLEASURES FOREVERMORE!
    Until we meet “on the streets of gold” I love you Kathy and may our Lord bring comfort to those you left behind until we are all safely HOME.

    In His Love,
    Judi Rowley-Phillips

  • Ted and Donna

    We love Kathy and our hearts are broken for the family. We will have you in our prayers.

    Ted and Donna Simmons