Memorial service for Zelma Fay Thorn, age 89, of Friona, Texas, is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel in Muleshoe, Texas with Clay Mimms of House, New Mexico officiating. Zelma died Saturday, August 15, 2026 in Friona. She was born June 1, 1937 in Friona to Joe and Willie (Smith) Beaty. She married Billy John Thorn in Friona on November 26, 1955.
Zelma graduated from Friona High School as Salutatorian in 1954. She enjoyed being a member of the high school choir. Zelma loved cooking, canning, sewing and gardening. She could frequently be found working on the farm alongside her husband. They participated in the 1979 “Tractorcade”, taking the trip to Washington D.C. to testify to the Ag Committee and other important committees about farming. They even spent the winter there.
Zelma and Billy John took many mountain vacations and fishing trips with Jim and Paula Daniel. She enjoyed reading and playing games like dominoes and canasta. Zelma was happiest with her grandkids, taking walks and watching them play sports. She was the perfect hostess, and especially loved hosting Easter Egg Hunts.
Zelma was a strong Christian woman who loved singing alto and taught Bible lessons. She was a member of the Lazbuddie Church of Christ. Zelma and Billy John moved off of the family farm to Legacy Apartments on April 2, 2022. Last October, she moved to the nursing home, Prairie Acres. She is preceded in death by a grandchild, RaJon Thorn; her parents; two sisters, Wanda Jones and Linda Beaty; and a brother, Fred Beaty.
Zelma is survived by her husband, Billy John; a son, Garvin Thorn and his wife, Janette of Lazbuddie, Texas; two daughters, Sherri Rector and her husband, Roy Don of Taylor, Texas and Johnna Blackburn and her husband, Mike of Friona, Texas; a sister, Joann Bowen; and her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be sent to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, New Mexico, 88130 or High Plains Children’s Home and Family Services,
11461 S. Western Street, Amarillo, Texas, 79118. Online condolences may be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.