Alma Mae

Thornell

Alma Mae Thornell, age 95, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice, Defiance.

Alma was born on September 21, 1927 in Defiance County, OH to the late Herman Sr. and Elsie (Gordon) Arend. On January 18, 1947, she married the love of her life, Robert C. Thornell, who preceded her in death in 2013. Alma spent her life creating a loving home for her family and helping on the family farm. She was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish where she sang in the church choir in her earlier years. Alma was also a member of the former Grover Hill Community Club. Robert and Alma loved to travel and spent winters in Bradenton, FL for many years. She also loved Ohio State Football and attending sporting events for her grandchildren.

Alma is survived by her sons: Robert (Jody) Thornell, Defiance, OH; Larry (Cathy) Thornell, Paulding, OH; daughter, Janet (Dennis) Miller, Grover Hill, OH; brother, Ivan (Patricia) Arend, Paulding, OH; sister, Helen Sauber, Defiance, OH; 12 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.

Alma is also preceded in death by her son, Thomas Thornell; daughter-in-law, Diane Thornell; brothers: Russel Arend and Herman Arend Jr.; sister, Donna Dean Proxmire; great granddaughter, Jessica Thornell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding with Father Austin Ammanniti officiating. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Den Herder Funeral Home with a Rosary service at 7:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made in Alma's memory to Masses or Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, 417 N Main St., Paulding, OH 45879.