JoAnna Jean Thompson

JoAnna, 94, passed away peacefully Oct. 27, 2025, in Moses Lake, Wash. 

She was born April 29, 1931, in Nampa, Idaho, to Earl and Elda Arzt, though everyone remembers her loving stepfather, Orval Lyle, as her dad. She married Clinton (Bud) Thompson on Nov. 12, 1949, in Colville, Wash. They moved to Odessa, Wash., in 1953 and became part-owners of Empire Electric with Bud as an electrician and JoAnna the bookkeeper. She also kept busy being a homemaker, florist, caterer and decorator extraordinaire. JoAnna was a member of the Heritage Church and their women’s group, helping with countless church dinners, receptions and funerals.

JoAnna was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, in 2010. She is survived by her three children, Vickey (Wes) Melcher of Moses Lake, Wash.; Kristey (Rob) Shimek of Salem, Ore.; and Randey (Jeri) Thompson of Spokane Valley, Wash. She has six grandchildren: Jayson (Stephanie) Melcher, Jesyka (Kyle) McCain, Amanda (Dave) Arthurs, Angela (Justin) Martinez, Chris (Ashley) Wilkinson and Nick Wilkinson and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Glenda Pittman of Colville, Wash., brother-in-law Travis (Sharon) Thompson of Spokane, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.

JoAnna’s memorial service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Church, 302 S. First St., Odessa, Wash., with Pastor Josh McLachlan officiating. Interment will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, Colville, Wash., with Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, Wash., caring for the family.

In memory of JoAnna, please honor her by making a contribution to the Heritage Church Elevator Fund. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, Wash., is caring for the family.