The Arizona Republic

Juanita Mae Thompson

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PHOENIX – Our mom was a beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed by her family. Juanita is survived by: Daughters: Julianne Thompson, Janine Thompson, Jamie Cunningham, husband Dave, grandchild­ren: Joshua Cunningham, wife Danielle, Sarah Dickey, husband Brian, Aaron Thompson Rausch, Charlie Cunningham

Greatgrand­children: John Ray Dickey, Abigail Cunningham, Delilah Dickey, Allison Cunningham.

Juanita was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she met Jim, the love of her life. Mom was fully vested as a ‘hands on’ mom, and made our life exciting, crafty and fun! Our parents were married for 35 years and on the start of their retired years, our dad’s life was cut short from lung cancer and passed away at the young age of 57. Mom redirected her life to helping raise grandkids, then working and volunteeri­ng her time to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran church. Here she was involved with the new member classes and evangelism. She touched so many lives while there. When she retired, she continued her work in the church courtyard garden, always making sure the iris were always blooming in time for Easter! Mom traveled the world - visiting the art she had studied at University of Colorado at Boulder where she received her BA in Interior Design. Throughout her travels Mom rode a camel to the pyramids, she went spelunking in Australia, enjoyed the Passion Play in Germany. Her last trip was five years ago with dear friends going to Israel and swimming in the Dead Sea! She was proud of her philanthro­py work to local churches, schools, hospital clinics… Mom was always present, always young at heart, always dressed to the nines!

It’s comforting knowing that she is in heaven laughing with Dad, reunited with friends and family that have gone before her. Mom was the connecting force that kept nieces and nephews and childhood friends, close at heart. We’re thankful to have had her as long as we did and truly blessed by her example of loving life. Love You Mom.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022, 10 am, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. 1500 W. Maryland Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85015. All are welcome!

To share memories please visit www.chapelofth­echimesmor­tuary.com

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