Helen Thompson Ingram passed away Monday April 12, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born in Olive Hill KY July 15, 1929. She gave start to her family in Hamilton OH, raised her sons in Phoenix AZ and most recently lived in Corona CA.
Helen’s Story
Helen’s very happy early life changed dramatically in 1937 when her mother died in child birth. Mother shared oranges with her expecting to come home the next day but she didn’t. Helen was nine year’s old.
God watched over her using a 5yr older big sister, Lousie, whom she loved dearly and who loved her dearly as well. Much later, she came to understand that God also provided a loving stepmother, Ruth, who never gave up on her despite the tricks the two sisters played on her. Her aunt “Meda” Almeda and uncle Wayne Damron also nourished her life together with Grandpa Jesse whom she nearly worshipped. And of course, she loved her daddy, Charlie Ingold, to tears.
It was Ruth who encouraged her education and dreams of becoming a teacher. She saved “egg” money to send her to college. Upon graduating from Olive Hill High School, Helen took a job teaching a one-room school nearby. One year later she left for Moorhead State College but her teaching career was interrupted at age 19.
July 9, 1948, she was required to take a learning test in order to be admitted to her freshman class. She met student George Thompson, a 27yr old World War II recently discharged Marine who was administering the required test. The next February they were engaged and the next August they were married.
Then came son1, son2 and son3 with no more tries for a daughter. Motherhood began with joy and Dr. Spock’s book. On the advice of her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Green, she took her boys to Vacation Bible School. Helen’s love for Jesus founded with Aunt Meda matured into devout and earnest service for Jesus.
The first week in the new and very different nation, Arizona, she found her best friend, Shirley Ryan, and her new church family, the First Church of God, Phoenix.
George supported her dream to become a teacher by cooking, cleaning and watching boys (we boys helped too.) She earned a BA Education degree in 1967 and she took on 5th grade at Cartwright School that year. While teaching, she completed MA Education 1971 and also took on role as Reading Specialist retiring at the age of 62. She received the Arizona Teacher of the Year award from President Jimmy Carter for her recognized service as 5th grade teacher and reading specialist at Cartwright Elementary School. Her dream was fulfilled.
In 1971, George gave his life to Jesus and Helen rejoiced. They camped and traveled. George fished while Helen read. She mentored younger women in church and as a couple they even helped start a church until she lost George to heaven in 2003.
An old High School boyfriend, Ralph, made life very special for his new wife “Miss Helen”. It was a very special time supporting each other for 10 years.
The last 5 years she spent time reminiscing, recalling and praying for friends, family and especially her sons. I know. I prayed with her listening to lengthy impassioned prayers. She now is exuberant in the presence of Jesus and the family and friends who faithfully preceded her.
Helen Thompson Ingram, daughter, loving wife, mother, one of a kind loving teacher and servant of Christ
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Emmitt Ingold 1898-1963 and Daisie Althea “Atha” (Jessee) Ingold 1905-1937 as well as Stepmother Ruth Alberta (Cline) Ingold 1916-2002. Husbands George Charles Thompson Jr of 54 years 1921-2003 and Ralph Miller Ingram of 10 years 1926-2016.
Siblings: Mary Louise Ingold 1924-1960, Stanley Richard Ingold 1936-1988 and Johnny Stewart Ingold 1948-2019.
She is survived by siblings: Francis Ann Woody and her husband, William “Bill”, Alice Jean Leethy and her husband, Mark. Children: George Charles Thompson, III and his wife, Sharon, Richard Lee Thompson and his wife, Cindy, and Gregory Allan Thompson.
Grandchildren: Jonathan Mark Thompson and his wife, Gita, Daniel Nathan Thompson and his wife, Jenna, Rachel Elizabeth Thompson and Cheyenne Maturo.
Great Grandchildren: Azariah Daniel Thompson, Penelope Ruth Thompson, Hartley Grace Thompson and Clive James Thompson.
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