Evelyn Louise Thompson

She was born Evelyn Louise Conant on April 14, 1922, to Christopher and Esta Conant in her family's home on a ranch in Judith Basin, Montana. When once asked what single thought most formed her childhood, she answered, "I suppose it was how I could help my mother." And she did, helping her mother raise her five younger siblings.

In 1942, Evelyn interrupted her music studies at Central Washington State College (Central Washington University), to marry Second Lieutenant Ralph E. Thompson, her beloved husband of 64 years, shortly before he went off to combat in WWII.

Evelyn and Ralph raised six children: Carol (Kermit) Turner, Ralph (Kimberly) Thompson, Jim (Christy) Thompson, Marlyn (Ken) Marble, Maribeth (Larry) Martin, and Diana (Ken) Frick. Her warmth and generous love for her children binds her family together today and will be a legacy for future generations.

Evelyn was a beautiful, intelligent and loving woman who served God all her life. Her steadfast faith, joyful nature, love of family, and love of music, was a witness to many.

For 32 years, Evelyn was the organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a calling she considered her ministry and an expression of her love for the Lord. She was a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter BX and cherished her chapter members' friendships.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Thompson. She is survived by six children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and her siblings Helen Swarthout Haggerty, Jim Conant, Joyce Yorgensen, Betty Rotha and Bob Conant.

Gentle, constant, happy, loving and wise; Evelyn lived for Christ.

While we are joyful for her new life, we profoundly miss her lovely presence.

The family thanks the staff at Englewood Heights for their loving care, and for their thoughtful care and counsel, the staff and volunteers of Memorial Hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Evelyn will be held Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A private family inurnment will be held that morning.

Donations in memory of Evelyn can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Missions or Yakima Union Gospel Mission.

Please share a memory at www.keithandkeith.com.