Deoine Thompson

F. Deoine Thompson passed away February 11, 2012 at her home in Hamer following a courageous battle with Alzheimers Disease during which she was cared for by her husband, neighbors, and Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Deoine, a fourth generation Idahoan, was born in Rigby, Idaho on May 13, 1928, to Alvin B. and Leone Bates. She grew up in Rigby with her sister, Jerry, and many cousins, aunts and uncles near her maternal grandparents, Clarence and Mabel McMurtrey. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Deoine attended schools in Rigby and at Olympia, Washington, during World War II when her father was based at Fort Lewis and serving in the South Pacific. The family returned to Rigby in time for her to graduate with her class on May 28, 1946. A few days after graduation from high school, she went to Hamer to visit her Uncle J and Aunt Ruby Bates, where she met Milton "Tommy" Thompson. They were married just three and a half months later at the home of her parent’s with Bishop Lee performing the ceremony. A wedding dance was held in their honor at Hamer High School. The Thompson’s made their home in Hamer, and later at the Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois. Their first child, a girl, died shortly after she was born in 1947. Their son, Don, was a 21st birthday gift for Deoine, blessing their household on May 13, 1949, followed by Neal on August 12, 1951 and Kay on October 7, 1953. Deoine was always involved in community activities, serving on the PTA and Extension Homemakers Association. She also was a 4-H leader for many years and drove the school bus for swimming lessons and 4-H Camp. She was an avid reader and was instrumental in starting the Dubois Library, donating many books to the cause. If you wanted a job done, just call Deoine. When school activities required chaperones, Tommy and Deoine were popular favorites with their children’s classmates. The Thompson’s moved back to Hamer following retirement. They enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas each year for the PRCA Rodeo Finals with their good friends, Bill and Charlotte Laycock and to Alaska to visit Dan and Mary France. They took three extended vacations to Tasmania, Australia, to spend time with their son Don’s family. Deoine kept busy caring for her beloved horses, with callings in her Church, and reading. Deoine supported all activities of her children and grandchildren, attending many horse shows, ball games, and rodeos. She could always be counted on to come prepared, with sunscreen, video camera, water, raincoats, and enough blankets and good snacks for everyone. Deoine is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Milton "Tommy" Thompson; sister, Jerry Colvin; Son, Don (Yabbo) Thompson of Hobart, Tasmania; Daughter, Kay (Bill) Slavin of Carmen. Grandchildren: Kristi (Brent) Hibbert, Holly (Zane) Davis, Shawn (Larae) Burtenshaw, Lori Smith, Kim Thompson, Chani Thompson and Ravi Thompson. Step-grandchildren Jennifer (Jake) Zollinger and Stephanie Slavin. Aunts: Ruby Bates and Thelma McMurtrey. Uncle: Billy (Lilly) McMurtrey, special niece Donette (Loyd) Engberson and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter, her son, Neal, and son-in-law, Mike Burtenshaw. Services will be held at the Hamer LDS Church on Thursday, February 16 at 10 a.m. with internment at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. The family will meet friends preceding the services at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mud Lake Senior Center, Hospice of Eastern Idaho, or your local 4-H club.