Ella Thompson

Ella M. Thompson, 100, of Atlantic, and formerly of Cumberland, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Ella Marie Behrends was born on May 28, 1917, in Franklin Township, west of Wiota, Iowa, the daughter of George Thomssen and Gerhardina "Dena" Louise (Kloppenburg) Behrends. Ella was baptized July 8, 1917, and confirmed August 2, 1931, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, southeast of Wiota. Her schooling began at Crossroads rural school in Union Township and she graduated from Cumberland High School in 1934.

On April 17, 1935, she married Averille Albert Thompson at her parent's home, east of Cumberland. The couple lived in the Cumberland area until moving to Fremont, Nebraska in 1949, where Averille worked as an accountant. In 1964, they returned to the family farm near Cumberland, which is still in the family today after 145 years. Ella loved life on the farm and was very active tending to the chickens, pigs, and her large garden. She adored the many kittens and puppies they had through the years.

Family was Ella's everything, and she will be remembered by them all as very loving. She looked forward to any kind of family get-together, whether it was visiting the grandkids or hosting for the holidays. Ella and Averille went on many outings in their vacation trailer which included trips to Canada, Florida, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. In 1974, they began wintering in the Weslaco and South Padre, Texas area. In the morning, Ella looked forward to walks on the beach with her dog collecting countless shells which she held onto and always treasured.

Ella is survived by her son, Ron (Linda) Thompson of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law, Mary Thompson of Bonner's Ferry, ID; grandchildren, Julie Thompson of Pasco, WA, Janet (Bret) Krick of Belle Plaine, MN, Jackie Thompson of Marshfield, WI, Matthew (Donna) Thompson of Omaha, NE, and Andrew (Jenny) Thompson of Los Angeles, CA; and 12 great-grandchildren, Bryan and Kayla Krick, Katy, Christy and Ethan Fast, Nathan and Andrew Ujda, Bryana, Jayden and Colin Thompson, and Wilder and Everley Thompson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Dena Behrends; husband, Averille Thompson; son, Merle Thompson; granddaughter, Jolynn Fast and her brothers, Herman and Carl Behrends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 15, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, with Pastor Mike Bodkins officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service at the church starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery.

The family requests memorials be made to the First Lutheran Church.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ella’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Ella Marie Thompson

BORN
May 28, 1917
Franklin Township, Cass County, Iowa

DIED
March 11, 2018
Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 100 years, 9 months & 11 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 15, 2018
First Lutheran Church
Southeast of Wiota, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Mike Bodkins

MUSICIAN
Jan Steffens

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“I’m But A Stranger Here”
“Jesus, Savior Pilot Me”
“How Great Thou Art”

CASKET BEARERS
Matthew Thompson
Andrew Thompson
Bruce Behrends
George Behrends

COMMITTAL SERVICE
First Lutheran Cemetery
Southeast of Wiota, Iowa

The family invites you to join them in the fellowship hall
for lunch following services at the cemetery.