Florence Thurston

Florence Oleta Thurston, age 86, passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of Christ on March 11th, 2023. Her immediate family was by her side, at her apartment in Castle Pines, CO, during her final few days of this life. She will be missed dearly by those who knew her; but her eternal life in Heaven is something to be celebrated by all.

Florence was born December 7th, 1936, the youngest of 11 children, to William H. and Florence O. McDougal in Crane, TX where she grew up. After high school, Florence managed, instructed at, and partially owned a beauty college in the Midland/Odessa, TX region. On February 1, 1958, Florence married the love of her life—Roy H. Thurston.

Never being a couple to let grass grow under their feet, Roy and Florence decided to leave the familiarity of home in the mid 60’s and move first to Johnson City, KS then 6 months later to Denver, CO where they would spend the better part of their lives and start a family.

In December of 1969, Roy and Florence welcomed their one and only child into the world—R H Tres Thurston. Florence would become a very successful beautician in the Denver area over the next 30 years, raise her son with the help of Roy, enjoy countless adventures in the mountains of Colorado and on the waters of local lakes and reservoirs, and spend time vacationing across the United States.

In July of 1994, Roy and Florence welcomed their daughter-in-law Michele into the family as the love of Tres’ life. Eighteen months later Roy went home to be with the Lord, but Florence’s life marched on. For the next 27 years, Florence grew blessedly close to Michele and her family, retired from hair-dressing only to come out of retirement and work at Dish Network, moved to Mesquite, NV and established a new life with new friends in the warmth of the desert for 10 years, moved back to Colorado in 2018, and reconnected with old friends.

No matter where she was, or what she was doing, in her 86 years of life, Florence Thurston never lost sight of Jesus and never stopped loving people. She was a helper, a friend, and a precious soul to everyone she met.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, all 10 of her siblings, numerous friends, and her husband.

Florence is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, and extended family.

No official memorial service is planned at this time; but contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Journey Church at the following link: https://pushpay.com/g/journeycolorado

Giving Type: Florence O. Thurston Memorial Fund