Joyce Evelyn Thompson

Joyce Evelyn Thompson

Aug. 31, 1922 – Sept. 13, 2023

Thompson, Joyce E (Age 101) passed away Sept. 13, 2023 in Spokane, Wash. She was

born Aug. 31, 1922 in a farm house near Charbonneau, N.D. to Adam and Alice

(Rhoades) Wilke. She was the oldest of 13 children. She moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1936,

graduating high school in 1941 at which time she moved to Spokane, Wash. looking for work.

Joyce ended up working 2 years for the Spokane Army Air Depot, another 2 years as a

telegraph operator for the Union Pacific Railroad and finally retiring after 36 years from the

Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company.

In Spokane she met her wonderful husband of 59 years, Arnold (Tommy), whom she married in

1954. After retirement she and Tom spent 13 years in Arizona during the winter months where

they enjoyed a lot of dancing (she loved polka). She spent the summers at 7-bays on Lake

Roosevelt, where they spent many hours fishing and enjoying water sports with their family and

friends. She enjoyed gardening in the summertime, playing cards, and completing jigsaw

puzzles. She also loved to cook and make goodies for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Gary Thompson of Spokane Wash., step-daughter, Sue Wilson (Dave

and children) of Nooksack, Wash., brothers Roger (Kay) of Wilmington, Del., Ray of Henderson,

Nev., Duane (Marie) of Cedar City, Utah, and a sister, Joanne of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, grandchildren

Crystal (Brandon), Ryan (Rachelle), Shallon (Jason), and Doni, great-grandchildren Taylor,

Christian (Thai), Riley, Liv, Jacob, Brenden, Alexis, Makyla, Izabella, and Penelope.

She was preceded in death by her parents Adam and Alice; her loving husband Tommy; 4

siblings who passed away at an early age; brother, Dean; sisters, Lois, Carol and Janet.

Joyce had many wonderful nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins and lots of friends. She was

a wonderful wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. Family and friends meant

everything to Joyce. She was always there if anyone needed anything. She was a nice, caring

and very honest person. She had a wonderful life and will be missed by all who knew her.

As per Joyce's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. She will join her husband in

the veterans columbarium at the Mountain View cemetery in Davenport, Wash. In lieu of flowers or

memorial gifts, donations may be sent to the charity of one's choice