Starlynn Antionette “Toni” Thorson
Starlynn Antionette “Toni” Thorson (née Russell), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, entered into rest on August 14, 2026, at the age of 82.
Toni was born in Los Angeles, California, at 1:04 p.m. on September 16, 1943, alongside her twin sister, Marlynn, to George Sawyer Russell and Helen Elizabeth Russell (née Dryer).
Toni had a kind and empathetic heart, an unwavering faith, and a deep devotion to Christ. She loved people deeply and extended that same love and compassion to animals and all creatures. She seemed to have a special way with them. She could open the sliding door, call out to the rabbits, ducks, birds, squirrels, and other visitors, and watch as they came to enjoy birdseed, carrots, and mealworms. She found great joy in watching and interacting with the animals around her.
Toni was artistic and creative, with a particular love for drawing, painting, and ceramics. She also loved to cook, play games on her phone, and watch science-fiction and fantasy movies. She had a wonderfully childlike sense of fun and delighted in silly, goofy gadgets and toys. Her playful spirit and ability to find joy in the little things were a special part of who she was.
Throughout her life, Toni held many different jobs, including working as a hairdresser, a cosmetics consultant at Famous-Barr, in the restaurant industry and at gas stations, and at a church daycare. Of all her accomplishments, one of the things she was most proud of was earning her CNA license. Toni had a genuine calling to care for others, and she especially loved helping the elderly. She took her responsibility to care for others very seriously and brought compassion and dedication to everything she did.
Toni will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, James E. Thorson; her children, Jason (Sherry) Hendershott, Shannon (Dwane) Arts, and Jim (Rachel) Thorson; her granddaughters, Faith Chapman, Josie (Mason) Keane, McKenna Hendershott, Zoey Plummer, Kaelyn Thorson, Isabella Thorson, and Lilly Thorson; her grandsons, Rylee (Hattie) Arts, Parker Arts, Andrew (CeCe) Pearl, Jake Pearl, Braden Thorson, Daniel Wade, and Urijah Thorson; and her great-grandchildren, Ezra, Elio, and Mayleen. Toni is also survived by her beloved brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Carma Russell, as well as many other family members and loved ones who will cherish her memory.
Toni leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, creativity, love, and laughter. Her gentle heart, playful spirit, devotion to her family, and love for all living things will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 11-3pm at the Knights of Columbus in Washington Missouri.