Sharon Lynn Thompson

1937-2023

Sharon Lynn Thompson passed peacefully after a brief, unexpected battle with cancer on August 31, 2023 at the age of 86 in her home at Touchmark on South Hill Retirement Community, where she was serving as the current Resident Council President. Born March 17, 1937 (St. Patrick’s Day) in Cashmere, Washington. Sharon graduated from Selah High School in 1955 and continued her schooling at Washington State College where she earned a BA in Education in 1959…the last year before it became WSU. She was President of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and a member of Fish Fans, the synchronized swim team.

After graduation, she married Roger Underwood and became a mother and homemaker. She taught school for two years at Valley Ford Grade School in the Freeman School District prior to getting remarried in 1969 to the ‘Love of her Life’, Marshall Thompson. They raised their five boys in Davenport, Washington where Marshall was the town Doctor and Sharon the best Mom, Homemaker, Friend Community Leader and shining example to so many…they were both pillars of the town of Davenport during their 45 years of living there prior to moving to Spokane in 2014. Marshall passed away in 2019, shortly after their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Sharon was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and served as President, served on the School Board, was a member of the Davenport P.E.O., and also a lifelong member of the Davenport Study Club, which she remained active in, traveling from Spokane to Davenport, until her passing. She was a devout Christian and forever member of Davenport Presbyterian Church, where she was a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Member.

Sharon was an entrepreneur at heart. She and Marshall created Lightning Nugget Firestarters in the late 1970’s. She ran the business for many years, growing it successfully until selling to the current owner, who continues to run it as a successful business enterprise. She was so creative, inventing themed birthday parties for her grandkids, that many a great business idea passed her by not even knowing it.

Her greatest gift was also her greatest joy, which was giving and doing for others. She loved her family and friends with such depth, it was amazing to all who experienced it, and that was many. Her love was a blessing and a gift, especially to her family! Sharon practiced what she preached and was such an example of how to be unselfish and treat others. Always loving to entertain and host, she was the “Hostess with the Mostest” and could have easily rivaled Martha Stewart. Whether cooking, crafting, canning, writing and reciting poetry…she did it effortlessly and made it look so easy. She was uncomfortable relaxing and watching others prepare a meal for her; she would constantly ask “What can I do to help” or “What can I do for you”, which she uttered to her last days.

A finer Person, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Daughter, Friend, Mentor and Cheerleader cannot be found! She was an incredible woman who lived a wonderful life and left her beautiful mark on this world. She will continue to live in the hearts of so many! We know she will be watching over us, as she did her entire life.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Marshall Thompson, her sister, Donna Calvin, and her parents Selwyn Justice and Kathleen (Preston/Justice) Kelsey. She is survived by a large, adoring family…Children Jay Underwood, Jeff Underwood (Linda), Mark Thompson (Carol), Phillip Thompson (Carol), and Dave Thompson (Kristen); 16 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; and countless other extended family and friends!

A Celebration of Life in her honor will be held at Davenport First Presbyterian Church, 904 Morgan St, in Davenport, Washington at 2:00 pm on September 29th, 2023. A reception will follow in the church basement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Thompson family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.