Celia O. Thompson

Celia passed away on Monday, October 19, 2009, at the age of 88. She was born in Greenfield, Ok. to Ed and Elva (Stewart) McQuilliams on August 24, 1921, into a hard working farm family, moving to California during the dust bowl years. She was the last living of nine brothers and sisters. Preceding her death was husband, Herbert G. Thompson; and daughter, Lora Mae Tootle; as well as parents and siblings. Mom loved to sing and dance, even in her dwindling health she'd join in the Saturday Karioke afternoons with her friends at Towne Meadows. Mom had several small cafes in Visalia in the earlier years; everyone loved her homemade pies. She later moved to Clovis, and lived there for thirty years, returning to Visalia in 2004, leaving many dear friends and family. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Lois and David Mullins of Visalia, and Wanda and Ben Russell of Visalia; her son and his spouse William "Bill" and Kay Tholl of Manteca; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. A Memorial and Celebration Service will be held at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia, Ca. (corner of Caldwell Avenue and Court St.) on Friday, October 23, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private, following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity. SALSER & DILLARD Funeral Home 127 East Caldwell Visalia (559)635-1144