Joyce Evelyn Thompson

Thompson, Joyce E (age 101) passed away September 13, 2023 in Spokane, Washington. She was born August 31, 1922 in a farmhouse near Charbonneau, North Dakota 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, Washington 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), who 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, WA, step-daughter Sue-Wilson (Dave and children) of Nooksack, WA; brothers Roger (Kay) of Wilmington, DE, Ray of Henderson, NV, Duane (Marie) of Cedar City, UT, and a sister Joanne of Coeur d’Alene, ID, as well as grandchildren Crystal (Brandon), Ryan (Rachelle), Shallon (Jason), and Doni, and great-grandchildren Taylor, Christian (Thai), Riley, Liv, Jacob, Brenden, Alexis, Makyla, Izabella, and Penelope.

Joyce 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, WA. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, donations may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Thompson family.