Louella Gail Thompson

Gail Thompson, a longtime resident of Wenatchee, WA, passed away on May 31, 2018. She was born June 22, 1916, in Tama, IA. This was a time before women had the right to vote, before the Great Depression, and when Woodrow Wilson was President. As a child, she traveled quite a bit by train (because her father worked for the railroad) with her four sisters and brother, Charles. Charles was later a World War II hero. Gail and her husband, JT Jerald Thompson, moved from Tama, to Chelan, WA, in 1937. They settled in Wenatchee in July of 1950, with five children, aged 15 years to six months. In August of 1950, her husband was killed in an accident and she became a widow at the age of 34. She remained a fiercely independent woman focused on her children. Some of you may have known her sons, Tom and Herb, who worked for the Wenatchee Police Department for many years (some of you may have known them a little better than others). Not long after, Gail and her children were baptized into First United Methodist Church. She was active in Ruth's Circle, and the kids were part of MYF and sang in the choir. The church was the scene of many family milestones, including the weddings of each of her children. Her 100th birthday party was celebrated at the church just two years ago. She was the head cook at Whitman and Washington Elementary Schools for 27 years, when fresh meals were made daily. She was famous for her delicious cinnamon rolls; and on those mornings, the superintendent always was in the neighborhood. She always had the habit of an early riser, kept abreast of current affairs, always voted, and remained active in the Public Employees Retirees Association. After her retirement in 1978, Gail enjoyed travel and often returned to Iowa, as well as trips to the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. She was always up for an adventure, especially if there was a little shopping involved. She lived in the same home, on her own right to the end, and every year canned and shared green beans and pickled beets. She always had a home project going, which kept her kids and grandkids hopping. She enjoyed creating a welcoming home and serving too much food for family and friends. She is survived by her son, Tom Thompson (Erma) of Wenatchee, WA; daughter, Jean Eddy (Roy) of Woodland, WA; and daughter, Gigi Craig (Mike) of Wenatchee, WA; numerous loving grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; as well as a sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews in Iowa. She was preceded in death by husband, JT Jerald Thompson, in 1950; daughter, Cherry, in 1985; son, Herb, in 2001; and grandson, Chuck, in 2007. Gracious and generous, she always thought of and remembered others. Even with some hard patches in life, she felt blessed to the end and was ready to meet the Lord. A Private Graveside Service will be held. The family invites you to share your memories of Gail at www.ChapeloftheValleyNCW.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her name. A heartfelt "Thank You" to NCW Hospice for their outstanding and wonderful support.

Louella Gail Thompson

June 22, 1916 - May 31, 2018