Ruth C. Thompson
Cecilia Thompson passed away at her home on March 24, 2021. She was surrounded by family and cared for by Heart of Hospice. Cecilia was born on December 23, 1933 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Bert Newby and Ruth Rawson Newby. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, JC Thompson, her sister, Evelyn St. Clair, and her brothers, Richard and Gaylord Newby, her daughter-in-law, Naomi Thompson, and her grandson, Zane Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Dale Newby, and Sister, Lorna Walker, her children, Ramona Horton Collins (Sean), Dorothy Krueger (Randy), and Tim Thompson. Her grandchildren, Gail Horton Maravi (Gabe), Janet Strege (Chris), Erin Horton (Erik Vann), Jennifer Gonzalez-Krueger (Jesus), Robert Krueger, Meghann Thompson (Jake), Kendall Mitchell (Nick) and her great-grandchildren, Natalie and Gabe Maravi, Lydia Strege, Paisley Vann, Isabel, Monica, and Alex Gonzalez, and Dylan Krueger. Also, many extended family members, including JC’s family and many friends.
Cecilia grew up in Grandview, Washington on a farm. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1952. She met JC Thompson shortly before her graduation and married him on February 15, 1953. JC was a farmer and they moved to Granger, Washington and bought a fruit ranch. Cecilia was a homemaker and could be found in the fields pruning, thinning, irrigating, and driving tractor when needed. Cecilia excelled as a seamstress and enjoyed canning food for her family. She and JC were instrumental in the construction of the first Southern Baptist Church in Granger, Washington where she led the music, taught Sunday school, and bible school for many years.
In 1970 they sold their farm and bought a Cherry Ranch in The Dalles, Oregon. They were active members of Emmanuel Baptist Church. The moved in 1976 to Boise, Idaho and then in 1982 to Andalusia, Alabama, JC’s hometown. In 1994 they moved back to The Dalles, Oregon to be near their children.
Cecilia enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and spent winters as a snowbird in Arizona. She was an avid quilter and a member of the Cherry City Quilters Club. She regularly attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. She also hosted a non-denominational weekly bible study in her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 17th at 1:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church 2819 W. 10th St., The Dalles, Oregon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Heart of Hospice, 407 Portway Avenue #201, Hood River, OR 97031