With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Anna Gay Hunt Thornton on March 21, 2026, in Bella Vista, Arkansas.  Anna was a strong and vibrant woman whose zest for life and beautiful smile touched everyone who knew her.

Anna was born on August 16, 1949, in Danville, Arkansas to Ray Theo Hunt and Claudia Ernestine Parker Hunt, and was raised in Danville, Arkansas.  After graduating from high school, Anna married the love of her life, David Thornton.  Following David's retirement from the phone company, Anna and David made their home in Bella Vista, Arkansas so Anna could be close to family.

Anna shared deep and lasting friendships through her treasured tennis group, her Mah jong circle, and her Bible study community.  Whether on the tennis court, gathered around a game table, or in fellowship and faith, Anna brought laughter, warmth, and genuine connection to all.  Her strength, kindness, and joyful spirit made her a light in the lives of so many.

Anna lived fully and loved deeply.  She had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and her radiant smile could brighten any room.  Her love for life was contagious, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Parker Hunt and Charles Hunt; her sister, Brinda Kay Moeller; brother-in-law, James "Smiley" Coots; father-in-law, Charles Ralph Thornton; mother-in-law, Dorothy Irene Thornton; and brother-in-law, John Nutter.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 58 years, David; her sons, Jason Kyle Thornton and wife, Tina Thornton of Wichita, Kansas and Nathan Scot Thornton of Bella Vista. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Baylor Thornton, Rinner Thornton and Parke Thornton; her sister, Helen Coots; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Gerry Moeller; sister-in-law, Mary Hunt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chris and Debbie Thornton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Diane Polsinelli; sister-in-law, Robin Pigeon and Jeannie Thornton Nutter; along with numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so dearly.