Lena Thurston

Lena Larene Thurston, age 86, passed gently into the arms of Jesus on Oct.12, 2018. She was born on Aug. 2, 1932 to Louise (nee Gentry) and Robert Barnett in Kimmswick, Missouri. Lena attended public schools in Arkansas, Tennessee and New Mexico. She met her husband, Richard “Dick” Thurston, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where they were married on June, 10, 1950. This union was blessed with three children - Harry Thurston, Jeannie Thurston, and Phillip Thurston.

Lena was a dedicated homemaker and devoted her life to her family’s care and education. She was especially proud that all of her children graduated from college. Due to Dick’s military service with the Air Force and subsequent work with United Airlines, Lena lived in many places. In 1978, Lena and Dick moved to Polson, Montana where they owned and operated together a cherry orchard on Finely Point. In 1988, they moved back to New Mexico. Lena was a resident of Los Lunas for the past 19 years and a member of First Baptist Church of Belen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; grandson, Jakob Thurston; and brother, Duane Barnett. She is survived by her three children, Harry Thurston, Jeannie Thurston, and Phillip Thurston; daughter-in-law, Valerie Thurston; grandson, Jeffrey Thurston; granddaughter, Rebecca Thurston; and many nieces and nephews. She was greatly loved and will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank everyone for their generosity, prayers, and food provided. May God bless you all. In lieu of flowers please donate to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries, Box 629, Portales, NM 88130 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Los Lunas Chapel, 2211-D Main St., (505) 866-9992, where an online guest register is available at www.noblinfuneralservice.com.