Irene Rebecca Thompson

Irene Rebecca Thompson, 96, passed away peacefully Friday morning, August 9, 2019, in Ritzville, WA. Irene was born November 25, 1922 to Thomas and Eva McArthur in Duluth Minnesota. She was the eldest of four children, Daisy, Charles and Vera, all of whom preceded her in death.

She married Arnold Thompson August 11, 1944 in Culver, MN. After Arnie's death in 1987, Irene moved to Othello and later to Moses Lake, where she resided over 15 years, until her last few months.

Irene was always a studious person, graduating Valedictorian of her high school class. She graduated Business College and always worked in the secretarial field. Many people knew her from Chef Redy and McCain Foods in Othello.

She enjoyed cooking, canning and collecting owls. She could crochet in her sleep and was always giving those treasures away. Irene was a sharp Cribbage and Pinochle player and loved spending time with family and friends.

Irene is survived by two sons, Jim Thompson (Jenny) of Moses Lake and Joe Thompson (Carol) of Washtucna. She dearly loved her 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and everyone of her 'bonus' grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. She leaves many other family members and friends who will miss her kindness, hospitality and gentle spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husband, as well as her eldest son Dennis Thompson, two daughters, Marjorie Erdman and Lucy Haisch, two granddaughters, Mikki and Sydney Erdman and her longtime friends Ruth Brown and Orville Thompson.

A memorial service is being planned in September. Arrangements are under the care of Stevens Funeral Chapel in Othello.