Thora was the 13th child born to George Lowe and Mary Ellen Heap of Parowan, Utah. She was born on October 6, 1919. She loved growing up in Parowan where she was surrounded by the love of her older brothers and sisters and many friends. She was a very hard worker, having learned to work both in the home and on the farm at an early age and continued working hard throughout her life. She died on June 24, 2014 at the age of 94.
Thora was married to Boyd Lawrence for 7 years, they had two children Rex (Kem) Lawrence of Heber , Utah and Mary Lynn Bundy (deceased). She later married Edward M Barton, they were married for 37 years and had three daughters, Melanie (Brad) Orton of Stafford, VA, Susan (the late Thomas) LeCorchick of Cedar City, Utah, and Nancy (the late Harvey) Johnson of Cedar City, Utah.
Thora had 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great great- grandchildren. She loved the many visits she received from her children and grandchildren throughout the years especially in these last days of her life. She was proud of all of the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.
With her husband Ted Barton, Thora owned and operated Barton Floral, a successful business in Cedar City for many years. She loved arranging flowers and even more she loved growing flowers in her beautiful gardens.
Thora was an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served a mission for the LDS church at the Washington DC Temple which was one of the highlights of her life.
She began traveling at an early age and never lost her passion for seeing the world. She was lucky enough to see nearly every place on earth that she wanted to see.
She will be remembered as an accomplished artist not only with flowers but also as a painter, leaving behind for her children not only her love and positive outlook on life but many beautiful paintings and quilts.
Her children would like to thank the many wonderful nurses, doctors and caregivers at Kolob Rehabilitation Center and Southern Utah Hospice who helped her through the last 9 months of her life. They would also like to thank the wonderful friends and family members who spent so much of their time visiting Thora both in her home and later at Kolob.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Parowan Cemetery in Parowan, Utah under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. A viewing will be held prior from 9-10:00 am at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N 300 W) in Cedar City, Utah. Online condolences can be made at www.sumortuary.com.