Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Learvia "Lea" Wannell (Smith) Thompson passed away at home in St. Helens, Ore., March 9, 2018.
Lea was born to Leland and Learvia Smith on Sept. 4, 1940, in Pendleton, Ore. She spent her life living along the Columbia River in Oregon, growing up in Portland, Dufur and The Dalles before settling in Umatilla, where she married William A. Thompson, Jr. and raised her family.
Lea is preceded in death by her parents; husband William Thompson; brothers, Garry Smith and Brian Galbraith. She is survived by her children, William W. Thompson, Basil L. Thompson and Leah C. Thompson; brother Walt Smith and sister Sylvia Costich.
A fiery redhead through and through; honest and direct, but easy going; loved a good bourbon and was always up for a good laugh and good music (Blues and Jazz were often playing on her stereo); master cribbage and scrabble player; strong, fiercely independent, adventurous, and mischievous with a light hearted, irreverent sense of humor; a good listener and true friend, even to her three disobedient kids; an animal lover (her latest animal companion was Miss Kitty, a spoiled housecat who went to the spa more than most people); a natural born artist in any medium, creating many original works for family and friends throughout her life (but neglected to pass any of this talent on to her children).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her memory to your local hospice, animal shelter or food bank.
At her request, there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life and spreading of her ashes in late spring.
