Audrey May Stead Baker-Thornton returned to her Father in Heaven on April 20, 2019. She was born at home on January 14, 1927 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England to John Tom Stead and Florence May Simister Stead.
At the age of 2 years old she was blessed with a younger sister Nancy.
In her own words, "I suppose I had a normal childhood, except mom worked so I was tended most of the day."
At eight years old she began piano lessons and honing her lifelong passion for music.
Baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 27, 1937. She was a faithful member all her life holding many callings throughout the years.
After enduring many Nazi air raids in 1941, the family decided to immigrate to America. It took eight days by ship then train, arriving in Salt Lake City June 19, 1946 where they made their new home.
This is where she met her new neighbor and the love of her life Glen Baker. She said she knew she was in love with him from meeting him.
They were married May 28, 1948 and later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Then after having 3 sons they settled in Kearns having 3 more sons and eventually one daughter.
Glen and Audrey were married over fifty years until his passing in 1999. Then she married Preston Thornton on June 23, 2001, until his passing in 2006.
Her life ministry was education. Working as a teacher's aide for many years. She worked as a Genealogy Extractor and provided hundreds of names in Glens and her lines to church records.
"It gives me a thrill, and I know we have received blessings for the efforts in bettering our lives in the service of our father in heaven. I have a Testimony of the gospel and I want all who read this to know it. I believe in God and in his son Jesus Christ, I know the gospel is true beyond a shadow of a doubt. May you find your testimonies and let them grow." A.B.
Audrey was a deeply loved, Mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is known for her quick wit and sharp tongue, and never being shy. A leading influence/role model, Audrey touched all of her family's lives in her own unique way. Giving unconditional love to all she knew, Audrey is one of a kind and is missed greatly by her family left on earth.
We will continue to honor her.
She is survived by her 7 children, Martin-1 (LaRee) Montpelier, ID., Larry-2 Stockton, Ut., Steven-3 (Terri) Bluffdale, Ut., Brian-4, Salt Lake City, Ut., Douglas-5 (Carolyn) West Jordan, Ut., Gordon-6 (Michelle) West Valley City, Ut., Ilene-7 (Darren) South Jordan, Ut., 25 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.
Proceeded in death by her husband Glen, Sister Nancy, Parents John and Florence, Daughter-in-law Jeanette, son Brent, a granddaughter, and great grandson.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 beginning at 2pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S) in Sandy. A visitation will be held at the mortuary Wednesday night from 6-8 pm, as well as prior to the services beginning at 12:45 pm. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
