Donna Fay Thompson, age 73, went home to be with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on December 30th, 2021.
Donna was born December 7th, 1948 in Sedalia, MO to Raymond & Dorothy (Spellmeyer) Ray. Donna graduated from East high school in Des Moines in 1966. But let us back up to a key moment in time that forever shaped Donna’s life. In 6th grade the love of her life, James Luther Thompson proposed to her at Willard School and Donna happily accepted. This was only the beginning of a beautiful, lifelong marriage that took place July 1st, 1967 at Berean Assembly of God in Des Moines. Donna and Jim would split up the year into two halves based off of their birthdays. Whoever was most recently celebrating their birthday would the “The Boss” until the other partner’s birthday rolled around and so forth. With this title came the upper hand to make never ending To Do Lists and jokingly have bragging rights on who “The Boss” was. The true love and commitment Donna and Jim shared was an example for others to see. Through the good, the bad, the fun and the challenging times, they clung to each other and never persevered. From this marriage resulted two children, James Michael (Mick) Thompson and Richard Alan (Rick) Thompson. If medically able, Donna would’ve had 10 children like her and James had once hoped for, as being a mother came so naturally to her. In the early years of parenthood, you could find this young family at the race track with a diaper bag in tow. Donna had an interest in cars and was an avid drag racer in the early 70’s on the strip and the street. She was not afraid to twist a wrench and help Jim work on vehicles. On weekends, friends would meet at Frisky’s Pizza Drive-In on E University. Donna began her time as a working mother employed with the State of Iowa and later on with Preferred Risk/Guide One Insurance for 44 years before retiring. Donna also was an active member of New Life Church in Pleasant Hill since 2006.
Given a lot of her time was devoted to family and volunteer work, in any spare time Donna found joy in scrapbooking, cross stitching, card making, reading, puzzles and what seems like frequently asking her grandsons to come over and move furniture around. Donna and Jim enjoyed taking their grandchildren camping often in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and the last few years began taking camping trips the two of them with their two dogs in the camper Jim remodeled. Aside from her family, her other priority was acts of service through volunteer work. This would range from creating the Church newsletters, volunteering for vacation bible school, hosting a table every year at the Women’s Christmas Banquet, cleaning the church Thursday mornings, watching children during Celebration Recovery, delivering care kits to the homeless and taking a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic in January of 2020. She was a part of several women’s bible study groups and even helped plan a women’s retreat this past September that was quite a success. Donna also volunteered her time for local businesses to ensure they had added support behind the scenes with an extra set of hands.
Donna was the definition of selfless and would put anybody’s needs above her own, even a stranger in need she passed on the street. She led her life by the Book of God and has impacted countless people along her life’s journey. She loved fiercely and unconditionally without limits. She wasn’t a typical great grandmother either, she was overly involved and made it to all important events, even hosting sleepovers when she was outnumbered by the then multiple toddlers. She embraced the craziness, messes and chaos of little ones and was the BEST Grandma to us all. The amount of patience she possessed was unfathomable. Even if she wasn’t your Grandma, many a people over the years came to call her Grandma as she mentored, loved, and accepted everyone with open arms. She took on any challenge with a smile and positive attitude. She reminded those struggling that they would prevail through tough times if they trusted in God’s plan and his timing and that everything would work out the
way it was supposed to. A true, living example of a courageous, brave, Godly woman. The world has gotten the short end of the stick with her passing, but Heaven is rejoicing at its newest member. Until we meet again.
Donna is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James Luther Thompson; son James (Theresa) Thompson; son Richard (Lisa) Thompson; Sister Debbie Ray; brothers Dennis (Pam) Ray, Richard (Bonnie) Ray and David Ray; grandchildren Ryan (Diona) Thompson, Lindsey Thompson, Tyler (Emily) Thompson, Gaige Thompson, Christina Hernandez; 12 greatgrandchildren Cayden, Sophia, Connor, Brayden, Addyson, Hayley, Lilah, Parker, Beckham, Avery, Harper, Izabella; her two faithful dogs Buster and Tucker; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sister in laws, brother in laws and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents and in laws.
Visitation will be held January 5th, 2021 6-8pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens for family and friends. Masks are required as we know Donna would not want to spread any sickness on her account and we know many will plan to gather to honor such an incredible person.
Funeral service will be held January 6th, 2021 at 10am for family & close friends with Donna being laid to rest directly after and a luncheon to follow at New Life Church in Pleasant Hill.
A handful of Donna’s favorite one liners: Count to 10 & grin, Coat them in Honey, Treat others how you want to be treated, and Have patience.
Memorial contributions may be directed towards the family in loving memory of Donna.