Neta Lorraine Thompson

Neta Lorraine Thompson, age 83, was born on January 22, 1933 to Arthur and Eileen Powell in Denver, CO where she lived all of her life except after her 1951 marriage to her husband, Dave, during his military service. She was preceded in death by her husband and two of her three siblings, Roscoe Powell and Marcella Colvin, and is survived by her brother Albert and her children. Neta had only completed tenth grade when her parents were in a serious car accident. Their care required her to leave school and she was always disappointed to not have received her diploma. However, this caretaking was the start of a life marked by loving and selfless service to many, many others. She was a committed Christian who taught Sunday School to both adults and children, and worked tirelessly with church teen youth groups for many years. Neta lived her faith by giving generously of her time to help anyone with practical, every-day needs, and would do anything they needed, whatever that was. Neta’s gift was that she was “there,” the first to arrive and the last to go, leaving nothing unfinished. If the need was still not met at the end of that day, she was there the next and the next after that if still needed.

Neta gave birth to daughter Sharon and son Steven, but actually parented a total of five children when the untimely death of her husband’s nephew left his young children in need of “caretaking.” She and Dave welcomed Denise (Adams) Ryan, David Ryan and Heather (Muna) Ryan, then ages, 11, 8, and 6 respectively, into their empty nest home when Sharon and Steven were in their mid-20’s—and started the adventure of raising an all-new family. All of Neta’s children are well and happy. She was proud of every single one and they her. It was important to Neta that the family have a “family vacation” every year. She worked hard to plan and save for them and some of our fondest memories as children were the various vacation times—plus we all have wonderful memories of holidays that Neta could do so well. Even during the leanest of times we had great memories from family vacations and special occasions. During these years Neta still found time to provide long-term care for others, being at the daily bedside of two different nephews separately through their final months and weeks on earth, as well as taking her husband’s parents into their home in their final years. Neta also enjoyed being the grandmother of 9 wonderful grandkids. Her friendships were long-standing and she was known by everyone as a “very nice lady” they could count on.

Neta and Dave were married 57 years. Their post-children life was happy and busy. When Dave retired they were able to spend several months in the jungles of Brazil as Christian Missionaries, an absolute thrill for them, where they made treasured friends. For their 50th wedding anniversary they got to go on an Alaskan Cruise, a long-held dream and something they enjoyed talking about for years. Neta’s caretaking continued into her far later years including caring for her own mother who lived to be 101 years old. You might say she was too busy loving and blessing others to worry about getting old herself. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. We love you, Mom.

At the request of the family, there will be no Viewing or Visitation for Mrs. Thompson, as the family would like to enjoy their guests at the Reception. Please direct any questions you may have to the funeral home.

(Contributions to ‘The Neta Thompson Memorial Fund’ can be made electronically bank to bank if you can access on-line banking at your financial institution. You will need Steven or Sharon’s e-mail address to complete this transaction. Steve’s e-mail is [email protected]. Sharon’s e-mail is [email protected]. Additionally, checks can be snail mailed directly to First Bank of Colorado, Stapleton Branch: Attn. John Dumabok, 2850 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80207. All checks need to be payable to Sharon Thompson and must include “The Neta Thompson Memorial Fund” on the Memo line of the check.)