Connie Jean Cooper Thornley, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 77. Connie was born June 24, 1947, to Ruth Lydia Walton Cooper and Grant H Cooper, a devoted and hardworking couple whose values of love, strength, and perseverance shaped her life.

Connie grew up surrounded by strong examples of resilience, creativity, and kindness. Her mother, Ruth, taught her the joys of hospitality and creating beauty with her hands, from quilting to hosting Sunday dinners and lively games of Hearts. Her father, Grant, a proud World War II veteran and a lifelong horseman, instilled in her the importance of hard work, humor, and a love for riding a horse.

A woman of many talents, Connie had a gift for creating beautiful and lasting memories through her craftsmanship. She loved making porcelain dolls, each one crafted with careful attention and artistry. Connie also had a special talent for baking and decorating wedding cakes, helping many couples celebrate their special day with her delicious and beautiful creations. In addition, quilting was one of her great passions, and her intricate quilts remain treasured heirlooms for her family.

Connie had a deep and lasting love for animals, especially dogs. She found joy, comfort, and companionship in her pets, and she had a particular fondness for small breeds like Pomeranians and long coat Chihuahuas. Their playful spirits and loyal hearts brought her endless happiness throughout her life.

Connie is survived by her three children: Nathan Thornley, Bryn Thornley Infanger, and Lauren Thornley Gooch; her six cherished grandchildren: Preston, Tate, Jonas, Ainsley, Cooper, and August; and her brother, Grant Alan Cooper. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ruth and Grant Cooper. Her family would like to thank the exceptional staff at SkyRidge Assisted Living and Stillwater Hospice – they became family.

A graveside service in celebration of Connie's life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery, located at 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor a remarkable woman whose love, resilience, and artistic spirit will be forever remembered.

Connie's gentle heart, creative hands, and enduring love will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Connie's honor to an animal rescue organization, or another charity close to your heart, in remembrance of her love for animals and generous spirit.