Obituary of Reola J. Mansfield

Reola Jean Mansfield, age 87, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 peacefully at her home. Reola was born on August 15, 1934 in Thayer, Kansas to Joseph and Buda Mae (Whisman) Burt. She grew up in Thayer, Kansas where she earned her high school education. In 1952 she was united in marriage to A. Glenn Thornton. Of that union five children were born. The couple later divorced. In addition to taking care of her family and home, Reola also worked as a bookkeeper for many years. On February 14, 1982 she married her loving husband, William "Bill" Mansfield in Coffeyville, Kansas. The couple made their home in Coffeyville. Reola had a strong Christian faith. She enjoyed many things, some of which were ceramics, gardening, flowers, making stained glass, quilting and making quilts for all of her kids and grandkids. She was a fantastic homemaker and cook and loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed attending all the events that the grandkids were involved in. She loved being there to cheer them on and support them because to her, family was number one. Reola was fun and sassy and full of life and love, one of her favorite sayings was "Cause I Can!" She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Bill Mansfield of the home; children, Alan Thornton and wife, Lisa of Wichita, Kansas, Terrie Welton and husband, Tim of rural Caney, Kansas, R. E. Thornton and wife, Patricia of rural Wann, Oklahoma, Rick Thornton and wife, Sheila of Dennis, Kansas, Jamie Thornton of Overland Park, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and friends. Reola was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Buda Burt; two brothers and two sisters. Following Reola's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Graveside Memorial Services will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Robbins Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Evangelist David Bycroft will be officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.