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JoAnna Thompson Obituary
JoAnna passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, in Moses Lake, WA. She was born on April 29, 1931, in Nampa, ID to Earl and Elda Arzt, though everyone remembers her loving stepfather Orval Lyle as her dad. She married Clinton (Bud) Thompson on November 12, 1949, in Colville, WA. They moved to Odessa, WA in 1953 and became part owners of Empire Electric with Bud as an electrician and JoAnna the bookkeeper. She also kept busy being a homemaker, florist, caterer, and decorator extraordinaire. JoAnna was a member of the Heritage Church and their women's group, helping with countless church dinners, receptions, and funerals.
JoAnna was preceded in death by her husband Bud in 2010. She is survived by her three children: Vickey (Wes) Melcher of Moses Lake, WA, Kristey (Rob) Shimek of Salem, OR, and Randey (Jeri) Thompson of Spokane Valley, WA. She has six grandchildren: Jayson (Stephanie) Melcher, Jesyka (Kyle) McCain, Amanda (Dave) Arthurs, Angela (Justin) Martinez, Chris (Ashley) Wilkinson, and Nick Wilkinson and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Glenda Pittman of Colville, WA, brother-in-law Travis (Sharon) Thompson of Spokane, WA and numerous nieces and nephews.
JoAnna's memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00am at the Heritage Church, 302 S. First Street, Odessa, WA with Pastor Josh McLachlan officiating. Interment will be Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:00am at Mountain View Cemetery, Colville, WA with Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA caring for the family.
In memory of JoAnna please honor her by making a contribution to the Heritage Church Elevator Fund. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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2 Entries
Red Head
November 5, 2025
Connie
November 5, 2025
I cannot write everything I loved and cherish about my aunt in this tiny space! She was my favorite person. She gave me advice without criticism. She attempted to show me how to be gracious even when we adamantly disagree with others. For my 68 of her 94 years there was never a moment when I didn´t feel her love and acceptance... even when I messed up!
Here´s my list of things I will forever connect with her:
Pinochle games
Pickled beets
Cabbage rolls
Gnocchi
Caesar salad
Hard boiled eggs
Black licorice
Jeopardy
....
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