Kathryn "Kathy" Thompson Thornton Gamble

Kathryn "Kathy" Thompson Thornton Gamble, 88, died peacefully in her sleep and joined her heavenly Father on Friday, May 19, 2023. She was born on April 7, 1935 in Danville, KY to James and Daisy Thompson. Kathy grew up primarily in Lexington, KY, with two sisters, Sandra and Jacquelyn “Jackie,” whom she adored. When very young, she began studying classical ballet and dancing became her passion, so dedicated that she traveled by bus alone to her ballet classes in the city.  After graduating from Henry Clay High School where she was a cheerleader and awarded for her dancing skills, she enrolled in the University of Kentucky where she was a cheerleader and a member of the UK Troupers, recognized for her graceful adagio routines.  While at UK, she met and married William (Bill) Thornton.  With their two children, Barbara and Derek, they moved to New Orleans, LA.  where Bill was a successful geologist at Texaco Oil and Kathy opened her Classical Ballet Studio.  In the summer of 1971, Kathy’s husband and children were killed in a tragic accident in Colorado. Her courage and faith in God allowed her to return to New Orleans and continue teaching.  In 1972, she met Ross Mitchell Gamble after he enrolled his daughters in ballet. He had recently become a widower, left with three young children, Marianna, Meg & Matthew. Ross and Kathy found a deep love based on their faith that God had brought them together in a perfect moment of mutual need.  They married and lived happily together in New Orleans for 49 years.  In 2022, they moved to Flower Mound, Texas to be closer to Ross’s children and grandchildren.  For over 50 years, Kathy taught ballet and mentored many adoring students, some of whom had professional dance careers. When she retired and sold her school, dancers from throughout the years honored her for bestowing grace, discipline, and appreciation for the art of dance.  She devoted her life to being a faithful Christian, wife, mother and dance teacher.  The family takes comfort in knowing that she has entered her eternal home with her late husbands, her beloved children, parents, and sister. Rest in peace, dear Kathryn.  May your spirit dance eternally.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Thornton and Ross Gamble; parents, James and Daisy Thompson; sister, Sandra Williamson, and children, Barbara and Derek.

Kathy leaves behind her loving family, daughters, Marianna “Anna” Cobb and Margaret “Meg” Bell and her husband Gregg; son, Ross Matthew Gamble and his wife Mindy; five grandchildren, Seth and Megan – (Anna) and Erin, Caitlin and Christian – (Meg); sister; Jacquelyn Thompson; sons, Lawrence Wayne Walker (Monica) and Greg Walker; brother-in-law, David Williamson and his daughter, Dr. Jacquelyn Williamson (Erik).

Memorial service to celebrate Kathy’s life will begin at 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 31st at Milward – Broadway located at 159 North Broadway, Lexington, KY.  Interment will follow in the Garden of Tranquility at Lexington Cemetery.

To share a remembrance of Kathy or to offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.