Betty Jane Thompson

On July 23, 2023, at the age of 102, I finished my life journey at Odd Fellows home in Walla Walla.

What a long and wonderful life it was. I saw so many changes in this world, from a one-room schoolhouse and the Great Depression to computers and cell phones. I was born in Moro, Oregon, to Roy and Alice Powell. I grew up on a farm with my four older sisters and one older brother, and being the youngest, they said I was very spoiled; they were right!

While growing up in Moro, I met H.W. “Sy” Thompson, and we were married on November 15, 1941, and spent 63 years together.

After Sy was discharged from World War II, we moved to Milton Freewater and then to Walla Walla, where we started Thompson Poultry and Frontier Machinery. I worked together with Sy in the poultry business but stayed home to raise our two children during the years of the machinery business. I enjoyed taking care of my home, doing yard work, raising a garden, golfing, and playing bridge with friends. I volunteered for over 20 years at St. Mary Medical Center, where I enjoyed helping people and working with the St. Mary staff. Sy and I were grateful to be able to spend winters in Palm Desert, California, and go on several wonderful trips. While in Palm Desert, I volunteered at the Living Desert. We were blessed to have many friends in Walla Walla and Palm Desert. Although my life journey has ended, I have no regrets. I had great parents, wonderful siblings, a loving husband, two children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren that I dearly loved. It truly was a wonderful life. I am survived by my daughter Pat Hobkirk (Jim), son Tom Thompson (Cyndi), granddaughters Kathy Spencer and Sandra Reed (Mike), grandson Kevin Thompson (Carrie), and great-grandchildren Adam, Emma, Zachary, and Henry.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Medical Center volunteer program or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.