Janice Loraine Thompson

Heaven just received a very special angel. Wife, mother and friend to all who met her. She will be missed each day, but never ever forgotten. 

Janice Loraine Thompson, 82 of Lodgepole, passed away at her home in Sidney on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 with her family at her side. She battled with bravery a long term breathing disorder. She surprised everyone including her doctors with her resilience and zest for life.

She is survived by her loving husband Lawrence and her three children and their spouses. Gerald and Jeanette of Bayard, Suzanne of Sidney, and Larry and Cynthia of Lakeville, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her mother and father Ernest and Wilma Whitefoot, her brothers Harold and Dale, her sister Doris, and son in law, Brad. Her grandchildren were so important to her. Grandsons Christopher, Jeremy, and Trevor and granddaughters Kelsey, Katheryn, and MaggieJane. As were Danielle Kleiner and Alanna Michael. Great grandchildren: Julien, Christian and Carolyne. She always gave her friends updates on everything they did because she was so proud of them.

Janice was born on June 8, 1932 in Lodgepole. She graduated from Lodgepole High School in 1949. That same year, on October 26, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Thompson. They loved each other with all their hearts for 65 years.

She was a sales clerk for most of her working career. She was employed at the Rexall drugstore for 10 years and an additional 30 years at Merrick's Shoes in Sidney. She always greeted customers with a smile, which made them smile back! 

She raised her three kids with the principals that she thought were important. To love and honor each other and to be honest. And to share everything you have.  She gave everyone who knew her a wonderful example of how to live your life. 

She loved music. LOVED music! She would get the family around the piano and sing songs that would make you want to join in.  She was a proud member of the Fort Sidney Colonels. She was so proud of their performances. Hearing the crowd clapping or laughing gave her some of the greatest moments of her life.

Some of her favorite places to visit were the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and Branson, Mo. She enjoyed the musical performances, the food and the laughter with the people she loved most.

Janice had the best laugh in the world. It might start with a little giggle , then the next thing you know she would have the whole room crying with laughter.  She was filled with joy and just by being around her, you were filled with joy as well. 

She never forgot a birthday, and anniversary or any holiday. You always received a handwritten letter or card. She loved her friends, and family and she proved it every day.

Janice never said a bad thing about other people. She showed all those around her respect. She made people feel special. And that was why she was so special. 

She was a devout believer and was a faithful follower of Christ and longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She was involved in many church activities. But wouldn't you know, her favorite was choir.  

We all loved her as much as humanly possible, and can't wait to see her again. She was simply the best.  

The viewing for friends and family are from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Monday, Feb. 23.

A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Hall officiating. Burial will be held at Weyerts Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at Holy Trinity in Sidney following the graveside services. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janice's life. You may view Janice's Book of Memories, leave condolence, stories and photos at http://www.gehrigstitchapel.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Jan's name to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or SRMC Hospice.