JoAnn Ruth Thompson, 80, of Exira Iowa, passed away September 10, 2018 at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

JoAnn was born October 1, 1937, in Audubon, Iowa, the daughter of Meredith (Bun) Mallah and Martha Johanna (Christensen) Markley. On November 11, 1953, she was united in marriage to Lee M. Thompson in Leesville, Louisiana. Five children were born into this union: Kim, Christi, Michael, Mitchell and Leah. JoAnn devoted her time to her children for many years before working outside of the home. JoAnn was employed as a cook at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Skelly Truck Stop, and DeLongs in Exira and Atlantic.

JoAnn was an active member of the Brayton Baptist church for much of her life and enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in women’s groups as well as participating in other church activities with her family and friends. She was also an avid reader and preferred romance novels; occasionally having more than one book open at a time. When JoAnn would read, it was hard to draw her attention away from her book. So much so, that one time on a trip to the city with Lee, after arriving in Omaha, she stopped reading her book to realize that Lee had gone the wrong way on Interstate 80 as they were supposed to be in Des Moines. She also enjoyed doing needlework which included making clothing for her children, cross-stitch, crocheting doilies, latch hook and knitting scarves. Another past time favorite of JoAnn’s was playing Bingo. She played in several towns including Exira, Audubon and Anita. She always played multiple cards at one time, never skipping a beat and never missing a number being called. Once moving to the nursing home, she was encouraged to continue playing bingo however she told everyone it was not as quick moving, competitive or profitable as she wanted. Time with family was important to JoAnn and she always looked forward to the annual 4th of July get-togethers at their home in Exira.

She is survived by her children, Kim Thompson (Carol Wright) of Atlantic, Christi Knutsen (Todd) of Atlantic, Michael Thompson (Yvonne) of Des Moines, Mitchell Thompson of Atlantic and Leah Edie (Mitch Mundorf) of Atlantic; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sister, Nancy (Dallas) Munch of Exira; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Lee, grandson Chadwick Thompson, step-grandson, Brian Wright; and her parents Meredith and Martha Markley.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. A time of visitation will be held immediately after the service during a time of food and fellowship. Burial in the Oakfield Cemetery, east of Brayton, Iowa will be held at 2:00pm.

Memorials may be made to the family for designation at a later date.

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

IN HER LOVING MEMORY

JoAnn Thompson

BORN
October 1, 1937
Audubon, Iowa

DIED
September 10, 2018
Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
80 years, 11 months, 9 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
11:00 A.M.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Roland Funeral Home
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Larry Mitchell

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTION
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“In the Garden”
by Elvis Presley

“Angels Among Us” by Alabama

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

INTERMENT
2:00 p.m.
Oakfield Cemetery
Brayton, Iowa