Ora E. Boswell Thornton, 98, of Dunbar, peacefully passed away to her heavenly home on July 13, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born in Given, Jackson County to the late Austin and Mary Hanning Boswell and had been a resident of Dunbar for over 75 years.

While small in stature and quiet by nature, she was as tough as they come, facing many challenging life events with grace and determination. Her devotion to her family was an example to many, as was her unselfish nature.

In addition to her parents, she was met at heaven's gate by her true love and husband, Hubert, who had been patiently waiting for her since 1975, with her refusing to so much as go on a date with anyone else because she "married once for love"; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Debbie; and all eight of her siblings, Wade, Lloyd, Clyde(Lucy and Bernice), Aulene (Alva) Barnette, Mildred (Johnny) Shakan, Sam (Marie), Mary Don (Arnold) Casto and Warren "Jack" (Sharleen). She was also preceded in death by all nine of Hubert's siblings and their spouses, all of which she loved like her own.

Ora is survived by her daughter, Lynn, of Dunbar; her grandchildren, Kelly of Wyoming County, Jeremy and Nick of Dunbar; her great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Shawn James, of Dunbar, Ali Shultz, of St. Albans, and Jesse Thornton of Charleston. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Boswell of Ripley and many, many nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dunbar Center for their care and compassion, as well as Dr. Chris Skaggs for enabling her to be able to stay at her home as long as possible.

A service in honor of her well lived life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018, at Dunbar United Methodist Church, 1401 Myers Avenue, Dunbar, with Pastor John A. Mason officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to DUMC's Back Pack Buddies program at the address above.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.