Rosa Thornton Obituary (1951 - 2024)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rosa S. Thornton, who peacefully left this world on December 18, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 73. Born on August 30, 1951, in Benson, Arizona, Rosa was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Rosa was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Mary Muro, originally from El Paso, Texas, as well as her sister Delia Witten. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Duke Thornton, and her children, Antonio and Kristy Ortega of California and Alicia Ortega of Texas, stepdaughters Carey Gardner and Jennifer Kennedy of Texas and their beloved dog Max. Her legacy continues through her nine beloved grandchildren, whom she adored. Rosa graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1969, and earned her teaching degree from the University of New Mexico in 1973. It was at UNM where she proudly served as the captain of the women’s field hockey team and grew her love of sports. Rosa began her career as the youth director at Martinez Town Community Center from 1971 to 1976. She later taught Health and P.E. at Harrison Middle School, starting in 1976, and continued her career at Madison Middle School where she taught and coached basketball and volleyball until retiring in 2005. Rosa was known for her dedication to her students, making a positive impact on countless young lives, and her deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren. Outside of her professional life, Rosa enjoyed spending time with her husband at their home in San Carlos, Mexico where she and Duke golfed, fished, kayaked and played pickleball, genuinely living their lives to the fullest. She loved any physical activity but had a passion for running and completed many marathons. Rosa is survived by her siblings: Irene and Henry Sutton, Grace and Larry Gaskey, Annette Muro, Oscar J. Muro, and Edward and Stephanie Muro. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends who knew her warmth, kindness, and dedication to those she loved. In celebrating Rosa’s life, we remember not only her achievements but what she truly felt was most important in life, family. A celebration of life will be held in her honor and details will be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to psp.org in her memory.