Jeanne L Gallup

Jeanne was born in 1930 in Salem, Illinois, and grew up in Springfield. A spunky, sassy girl, Jeanne met her husband when she was 18 years old. She was swept off her feet, and after a brief courtship, she married William “Bill” Tompkins in 1948.

Jeanne and Bill immediately moved to his family’s hometown of Barlow, Ohio – a small farming community. Jeanne, a complete city girl, adjusted to life on a farm while also learning a new role – that of mother.

It was a role she quickly mastered, perfecting the art of embarrassing her kids by dancing the jitterbug down the aisle whenever they were at the grocery store. The family grew rapidly, and for several years, Jeanne stayed home and raised her seven children. But always up for trying new things, she eventually took a part-time job and became the first female school bus driver in the state of Ohio.

The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1969. Jeanne, still a city girl at heart, loved her new home. She began working in a law office as a legal assistant, the career from which she would eventually retire. In 1977, her husband Bill passed away. Many years later, she met her second husband, Larry Gallup. Jeanne and Larry were married in 2002, and Larry later passed away in 2003.

Overall, Jeanne lived a simple life without many material possessions, but she always said she was blessed. She loved her family, which grew to include too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to count (literally...she tried to count them and we never came up with the same number twice!). Her family enjoyed her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and love of puzzles and games.

Jeanne is survived by her children: Tom Tompkins, Mike Tompkins, Steve Tompkins, Gail Tompkins Griffith, Tracey Tompkins Bonnecarre, and Kelly Tompkins Bennett. Her son, John Tompkins, preceded her in death.

During her last several months, Jeanne talked often of “going home” to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And although she will be deeply missed by her family and friends, we are so thankful she is home at last.

A graveside memorial service will be held on December 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 West Beardsley Road in Phoenix.