Joanna Jean Thompson

… passed away peacefully at 1:45am on October 27, 2025 in Moses Lake, WA. She was born on April 29, 1931 in Nampa, ID to Earl and Elda Arzt, though everyone remembers her loving stepfather Orval Lyle as her dad. She married Clinton (Bud) Thompson on November 12, 1949 in Colville, WA. They moved to Odessa, WA 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, WA, Kristey (Rob) Shimek of Salem, OR, and Randey (Jeri) Thompson of Spokane Valley, WA. She has six grandchildren: Jayson (Stephanie) Melcher, Jesyka (Kyle) McCain, Amanda (Dave) Arthurs, Angela (Justin) Martinez, Chris (Ashley) Wilkinson, and Nick Wilkinson and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Glenda Pittman of Colville, WA, brother-in-law Travis (Sharon) Thompson of Spokane, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

JoAnna’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 11:00am at the Heritage Church, 302 South First Street, Odessa, WA with Pastor Josh McLachlan officiating. Interment will be Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11:00am at Mountain View Cemetery, Colville, WA with Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, WA caring for the family (www.strate-funeral.com).

In memory of JoAnna, please honor her by making a contribution to the Heritage Church Elevator Fund. Thank you in advance.Thank