Deloris Thompson

Deloris Thompson, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on June 25, 2012, leaving behind two sons, Richard and Ronald. Her husband, Charles, and two sons, Teddy and Bobby, had already stepped into eternity.

Deloris was born in Lewistown on May 7, 1917, to Minnie and Lewis Hartford. She was the first-born and had five brothers, Cliff, John, Vernon, Glenn and Roy. She is survived by two brothers, Glenn living in San Antonio, Texas, and Roy in Post Falls, Idaho, along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren, who visited her in recent weeks.

Charles and Deloris were married on Sept. 3, 1936. Charles came to Montana with his parents at an early age to work in the oil fields where he met Deloris working in a cafeteria. Charles spent his entire career with Exxon Oil Company.

They settled in Cut Bank, where they raised their four boys. Their second son, Bobby, was born with disabilities, and Deloris spent her life caring for him. For many years, she was involved with state programs for the handicapped and was secretary for the Montana North Central Mental Health Board.

After retirement Charles, Deloris and Bobby joined the snowbirds and traveled to warmer climates, covering most of the southern states. They spent most of their time in Arizona, except for the summers at the family cabin near Essex. Deloris kept many photo albums of their travel adventures, which she and Bobby enjoyed looking over and reminiscing about all of the people they met along the way.

When travel became too much in 1990, they purchased a home in Columbia Falls near the high school, which enabled them all to enjoy the sports and other activities. It also gave Deloris more time to spend at their beloved cabin. She loved fishing, visiting with friends and being a regular at the Nite Owl.

Deloris added another adventure to her life in the last couple years when she flew to Texas twice to visit her son Ron and her brother Glenn. Having never been on a commercial airliner before, she was apprehensive about going, but she enjoyed every minute.

A long life with the Lord as her solace, strength, and constant companion.

A celebration of life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls on Friday, June 29, at 3 p.m. A brief graveside service will follow.