IN MEMORIAM, ANNIE THOMPSON

IN MEMORIAM, ANNIE THOMPSON

Most of us remember Annie Thompson, gentle, smiling, along with her husband Mickey and their dog, Minnie, the best friends anyone could have. Annie (Anita Loya Thompson) passed away Sept. 14, 2020 at almost 88 years of age.

Mickey and Annie owned the Sutherlin Auto Supply and worked with the newly forming  Timber Valley Park. They moved into the park Feb. 9, 2007.

Annie was a proud Marine; her picture is on one of the light posts along 400 West Central and Mickey’s is on the reverse side. They met when Mickey as a Navy Corpsman was working with the Marines in South Carolina. They were married for 67 years. Annie is survived by daughters Laura Ledford and Kathy Spjut and son, Mickey Jr.

Annie, who was Mexican, was the first non-white person in Sutherlin. She and Mickey were Southern Oregon coordinators for the American Field Service hosting exchange students. Laura says, “When exchange students didn’t fit into the homes they were sent to, they would come to our home and stay with us.” She described one Ethiopian student whose dark skin caused problems with the school and town. Annie and family persevered and the Ethiopian student became a popular and well liked addition to the community, helping to break down racial prejudice in the school and Sutherlin.

Laura says, “Annie lived a long, loving and purposeful life, serving both her country and her community.” Annie and Mickey received one of the “Quilts of Valor” for their service in the Korean War. They volunteered for their church and worked with married couples and teenagers.

Mickey, 89 years old, has suffered three strokes recently and is recovering at his daughter Laura’s home. He will soon be leaving for New Mexico to live with Laura and her husband. Cards can be sent to Mickey Thompson at 743 East 4 th Street, Sutherlin, OR. 97479 until about Oct 25. Then he will be moving to New Mexico; his daughter Kathy will forward any mail: Her address is Kathy Spjut , 3459 Pine St. North Bend, Oregon, 97459.

Annie Thompson, USMC

Annie and Mickey

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5 Responses to IN MEMORIAM, ANNIE THOMPSON

  1. Fred Prout says:

    The world has lost a truly wonderful woman. Mickey and Annie were two of the most loved people ever. We were better for having known you.

  2. Sandi and Nullet Schneider says:

    My first thought was, One more Angel in Heaven. Mickey and Annie were wonderful neighbors. They were the first to greet any visitor to TV and invite them to their backyard gathering. Our love and prayers to all of Annie’s friends and family. She will be missed by all that knew her.

  3. We always enjoyed listening to Annie and Mickey talk about how they met and their experiences in the military. Annie was truly a brave woman volunteering for the Marine Corps in the ’50s. And Mickey’s service during the Frozen Chosen in Korea was extraordinary. Thank you both for your selflessness during challenging times and for sharing your joy of life.

  4. Beth Rocheleau Solomon says:

    John and Mary Mills, my parents, love Mickey and Annie so very much. Their friendship was a treasure to our whole family and we have many sweet and wonderful memories of Annie.

    Mary went to Heaven two years ago and I’m sure she was part of Annie’s welcoming committee.

    To Mickey, Kathy and Laura and families, we send our prayers, love, and hope you’ll feel the comfort and support of our Lord and everyone around you.

  5. Beth Rocheleau Solomon says:

    John and Mary Mills, my parents, love Mickey and Annie so very much. Their friendship was a treasure to our whole family and we have many sweet and wonderful memories of Annie.

    Mary went to Heaven two years ago and I’m sure she was part of Annie’s welcoming committee.

    To Mickey, Kathy and Laura and families, we send our prayers, love, and hope you’ll feel the comfort and support of our Lord and everyone around you.

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