Anita Elane Merling Thompson

1934 - 2022

Anita Elane Merling Thompson

January 14, 1934 - November 19, 2022

Anita Elane Merling Thompson of Roanoke, Va., was called home to the Lord on the morning of Saturday, November 19, 2022. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her beloved family.

Family, above all else, was what Anita dearly loved; and it was family gatherings that were dear to her heart. As a child, she grew up with an adventurous spirit, born on the Kansas prairie in Labette County on January 14, 1934. She met her true love, Lloyd Frances Thompson Jr., at her senior dance and the two of them danced through life together until Lloyd's passing in 2017.

Anita was a member of Westhampton Christian Church, and dearly loved her Pastor Gail Davidson and her church family. She greatly enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie she also found in the Star Stitchers Club and several Bridge Clubs over the years.

"Nana," as her grandchildren called her, was the President of the Perfect Club, and she enlisted each of her grandsons as charter members: Jeremiah, Nick, Harrison, and Christian. Her granddaughter, Katie, was her pen pal and adventurous kindred spirit. Her granddaughter, Elaina, she adored as her own and said she was the most kind and generous person she'd ever known. Her granddaughter, Sarah, and Nana enjoyed their long talks together as sweet friends do. Her granddaughter, April, enjoyed spending time together tending to the herb garden.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, George Homer Merling and Beryl Hester Merling; brother, Aubrey Merling; husband, Lloyd Frances Thompson Jr.; and daughter, Teresa Ward.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Laura Roark and Laura's children and grandchildren, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Bernardo (children: Amara, Stone, and Jackson), Jon Nicholas Bernardo (child: Zigfield), Elaina Bernardo (child: Benjamin), Harrison Line, and Katherine Line. She is also survived by her loving son, Stephen (Tracey) Thompson and Stephen's children and grandchildren, Chasity (Sean) Barbour (children: Skylour and Kaidence), Wesley Barbour (child: Jaden), Sarah Thompson (child: Sawyer), and Christian (Tiffani) Thompson. She is also survived by Teresa Ward's two children: April (Chris) Goodwin and Eric (Tasha) Lissy (child: Scott).

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Don Brady at Carilion Brambleton Physicians for his excellent and compassionate care of Anita over the years. Thank you to Gentiva Hospice whose staff was phenomenal, especially Social Worker, Johnette Walker. And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Gail Davidson who spoke the word of God and brought comfort and peace to all of us. Anita truly adored you, Gail, and you became a part of our family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Westhampton Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to Westhampton Christian Church or to Angels of Assisi in memory of Anita Thompson. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.



"Enjoy the Journey" – Anita Thompson