Lois Vivian Thompson

Lois Vivian Thompson passed peacefully at Mayers Memorial Hospital under the care of Hospice and Dr. Dan Dahle on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Born January 7, 1928 in St. Helena, to Perry Opdyke and Alma (Toreson) Opdyke. She married Robert Ivan Thompson (Bob, Sr) on February 20, 1946 in Novato, where she worked as a telephone operator. She and Bob moved to Hat Creek in 1951 where they began ranching with her father Perry and brother Gordon. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch was her home ground. She loved the registered cattle business and over the years helped Bob, Sr with Hat Creek Construction, Hat Creek Hereford Ranch Campground and their small hydro-electric facility.

Lois was the epitome of a dedicated ranch wife. She could spend most of the day helping work cattle, gardening and then cook a huge meal for a hay crew. She was an active community member, serving in the Cowbelles, PTA, as a 4-H leader, helping organize Farm Bureau picnics and more. She accepted the Lord as her savior in 1982, where she, her husband and family were crucial in building the Hat Creek Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; father, Perry; mother, Alma; and brother, Gordon. She has many surviving family members. Sister, Mary Scholfield; son, Robert L. Thompson (Bob, Jr) and his wife Alice; daughter, Kathy Lakey and her husband Howard; daughter, Pam Giacomini and her husband Henry. Grandchildren: Perry, Travis, Wade and Gwen. She was blessed to have eight lovely great grandchildren. Family was of the utmost importance to Lois.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 24th at Hat Creek Baptist Church at 1:00 pm. There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, please make any contributions to the Mayers Intermountain Healthcare Foundation, Hospital Building Fund, PO Box 77, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.