Donna Sue Thompson

Donna “Sue” (Bilsing) Thompson passed away on March 30, 2024, in Broomfield, CO, a short time after the loss of her husband Jerry Thompson. Sue passed away in her daughters’ home cared for in her final days by her daughters, nearby family and grandchildren. Sue was 79 years old.

On Wednesday, October 18, 1944, Sue was born in Hayden to the late William Glen Bilsing and Mildred Inez (Lowe) Bilsing. Sue was a fun-loving, beautiful woman, and a 1962 graduate of Moffat County High School. She attended Mesa State College for one year and joked that she majored more in her social life than her studies.

After her courtship with Jerry Leonard “JT” Thompson, on Saturday, August 28, 1965, Sue and Jerry married in a large ceremony with over 300 people in attendance. A story shared of their honeymoon at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, when Jerry forgot his wallet. He found a $5 bill given as a wedding gift that paid for food, and they took the “Dam Tour” twice because it was free. They built a life for themselves close to family in Craig. From this union, (3) daughters were born. While their marriage spanned 58 years; the love of their close family will last forever.

Sue had an incredible childhood, full of travel, adventures, and experiences. Sue loved all animals. This led to bringing home a baby skunk, coyote, and owl. Her instincts were to care for them. She enjoyed riding her horse, was an avid and accomplished snow and water skier. Sue loved to camp, boat, water-ski, golf, and swim. The time spent at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Arizona, and in Hawaii provided a lifetime of memories and endless stories. She shared these experiences with their daughters. Many days were spent enjoying these places and building lasting memories that were hard to be outdone.

Sue was most proud of her years as a dedicated wife and mother. She was respected for her work outside of the home. She completed an 8-month cosmetology program that required her to commute from Craig to Denver with 2 of her daughters in tow. Sue created many window and wall displays at Betty’s, La Masion Chic, (her mother in law’s store) and Barrett’s Men’s Store. As a swim teacher, for over 25 years, she taught countless numbers of children to swim. She worked in the Pro-shop at the Yampa Valley Golf Course and enjoyed helping with the annual Susan B. Komen Cancer Golf Tournament.

Sue watched every season of “Survivor”. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and could be a prankster. She was blessed with the ability to complete any type of craft with ease, especially with her knitting machines, was extremely resourceful, and had a trained eye to accompany her creativity. Sue’s love language was gift-giving to the benefit of her friends and family.

Sue was a resident of Craig for over 75 years and was honored for their contributions to the community on December 15, 2022. The day was recognized as “Jerry and Sue Thompson Day”. They moved to Broomfield in 2022 to be closer to family.

Sue was preceded in death (30 days prior) by her husband Jerry, and previously by Bill and Millie Bilsing (Father & Mother).

Sue is survived by her sister Barbie (Ed) Bumbalo and family, brother Bill (Carol) Bilsing and family, daughters Pamala (Greg) Felderman, Penny (Brad) Rose, Tia Thompson, and (6) grandchildren; Audrey (fiancé Neal DeBuhr) Felderman, Alexa (Derek) DeJoe, Jackson Rose, Maya Shaw, Katharine Felderman, Adler Felderman, many nieces and nephews, and her loving Yorkie “Smooch”.

Sue chose to be cremated and will be remembered in a joint Celebration of Life (for both Sue and Jerry) in Craig, CO, June 8, 2024 at the City Hall at 10am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a yearly memorial scholarship has been set up in Sue’s name for Cosmetology students. Donations can be sent to: Colorado Northwestern Community College Foundation, 500 Kennedy Drive, Rangely, CO 81648. Memo: Sue Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund