In Loving Memory

Naomi Joyce Thompson

Naomi Joyce Thompson, a lifetime area resident, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born at home on September 24, 1935 in Cedonia, WA to Guy and Cora (Dashiell) Ellsworth.

Naomi was raised in the Fruitland Valley/Hunters area.  As a young girl, she was responsible for taking care of her horses by fetching water and feeding them on a daily basis. Naomi would often times even ride her horse to school.  She graduated from Columbia High School with the class of 1953 and shortly after, she moved to Colville.  In 1956 while attending the Fair Dance, Naomi caught the eye of George Thompson and the two began a friendship that blossomed over the next few years.  The two would eventually tie the knot at the Hitching Post in Coeur D'Alene, ID on May 11, 1962.  The two would move to an old farmhouse half way between Colville and Kettle Falls and eventually built their own home across the street where Hwy 395 now runs through.  Naomi and George raised three beautiful children together, Arlene, Mick, and Rick. When the children were quite young, the family had an opportunity to buy a farmhouse in Rice, WA and in 1971, they moved and have remained in the very same house to this day.

Naomi loved gardening and has always had huge fruit and vegetable gardens wherever she resided.  She, along with the family's help, would harvest and can the bounty of her labor.  When she wasn't gardening or canning, Naomi and the family enjoyed summers camping at Blacks Beach in Curlew, WA.  As the children grew and left the nest there was a particularly good harvest the first year Mick was in college and Naomi ended up canning 155 pints of corn, carrots and string beans EACH!! (Not including the peaches or pears).  Naomi's other love was knitting and crocheting.  She was constantly crafting a thoughtful gift or present for family and friends.  If there was a child to be born in and around the Rice area, Naomi made that baby a blanket.  She loved children, and babysat for local families for decades at their home.

Naomi had a third love, and that was her family.  George and Naomi had the opportunity to take a two-week vacation back to the east coast where they visited many destinations such as the Hershey Chocolate Factory, Arlington National Cemetery and a stop in Branson Missouri to watch one of her favorite singers, Charlie Pride.  She loved and admired her grandchildren and supported them in their sporting events and activities, always a cheerleader.  Naomi was a proud member of the Tops Club where her and her lady friends would meet every Wednesday at Sandy's Restaurant.  She enjoyed spending time at her dear neighbor Dorothy's house drinking cups of coffee and talking about the goings on in Rice, Gonzaga basketball or the Mariners and bragging up on her grandchildren.  Naomi was a loving, caring, strong-willed, independent woman who will be missed by all that had the honor of knowing her.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Ellsworth; and grandson, Travis Thompson.  She is survived by her beloved husband, George; children, Arlene (Chet) Smith, Mick (Jennifer) Thompson, Rick (Missy) Thompson; grandchildren, Breanne (Noah) Seagreaves, Bryan (Kim) Smith, Mikaylyn Thompson, Devin Thompson and Matthew Thompson; and 6 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions in Naomi's honor can be made to District 12 Fire/EMS services (Rice) or to the Shriners Hospital.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Please visit the online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted in her care.