Woodruff Francis Thompson

Woodruff Francis Thompson, “Woody”, 93, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, September3rd, at Peace Hospice. A vigil service will be held Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44 St S, at 7:00 pm. Funeral liturgy will be Monday, September 9, 2013 at 10:30 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Interment will be at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O’Connor Funeral Home. Woody was born May 24, 1920, in Geyser, MT to Violet Bergeron Thompson and Harry B. Thompson. He was the fourth of seven children: Louis Thompson, Cecilia Koval, Elizabeth Morgan, Harry Thompson, Kenny Thompson, and Donna Bassett. All four sons served honorably in WWII. He was especially proud of his family representation and the Veterans War Memorial, and was looking forward to the Big Sky Honor Flight. Woody attended school in both Hobson and Belt, graduating from Belt Valley High School in 1939. In his early years, Woody worked in the mines near Neihart, MT during the winters and was a farmhand for Charlie Pimperton, a local rancher and life long friend, during the summers. On December 11, 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent two years at sea, primarily in the South Pacific, followed by two years on Terminal Island, San Pedro, CA. He enjoyed talking about all the far off places he traveled while enlisted. On October 15, 1945, Woody married a former Belt classmate and the true love of his life, Marion Ann Enger, in Long Beach, CA. Thus began an amazing relationship that would continue over many decades. On July 5th, 1946, their daughter, Janis Lee Thompson was born in Long Beach. By May of 1947, the young family had saved enough money to return to their home state of Montana. Gregg Martin Thompson was born on October 28, 1953 in Great Falls. Woody worked primarily in sales, for Bison Motors, then Farm and Ranch Implement, and thirteen years with Hansen Implement. He then worked for Grogan’s Home Center from 1977 until he retired in June, 1983. Throughout his years, Woody lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed horseback riding, snowmobiling, backpacking, bowling, golfing, reading, and most of all, spending time with his family and numerous friends. He and Marion bowled and golfed together, took lots of country rides, celebrated special occasions large and small, and thoroughly enjoyed watching their family grow. In later years, he loved playing cards and having coffee with his friends, watching golf and keeping up with the PGA Tour. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing their latest conquests and accomplishments with anyone who would listen. He seemed to know everyone, and he always had a story to tell. He most recently resided at Cascade Ridge Senior Living, which brought him much happiness and many new friends in these final months. Woody is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marion; daughter Janis Tholen and her husband, Harry, of Great Falls and his son Gregg Thompson of Billings. He is also survived by grandchildren Renee Tholen King (Gordon) of Missoula, Becky Tholen Hatler (Scott) of Billings, and Janis Thompson Bushman (Gavin) of Billings. His six great-grandchildren; Tatum, Isley, Kendal, Gabe, Riley, and Greggy all feel very fortunate to have had “Great Grandpa Woody” for so long. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Woody was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, one grandson John Thompson, along with many, many good friends. Memorials are suggested to Holy Spirit Parish, or The Ursuline Retreat and Conference Centre.