Obituary of Barbara J. Thompson

Barbara J. Thompson, 68, of Twin Falls, died July 10th after suffering a massive stroke. She was born July 1, 1943 in Twin Falls, Idaho. She attended schools in the Eden area and was a 1961 graduate of Valley High School. In November 1961 she married Otis Strain. Together they lived in the Eden area and later moved to the Midwest. In 1974 they returned to Twin Falls and divorced in 1976. On February 14, 1978, she married Ray Thompson. From 1978 until 1992, they lived in Caldwell, Idaho where Ray was pastor of the First United Methodist Church and where Barbara was very active in church activities. During her time in Caldwell, Barbara worked for the Dairymen’s Creamery Association which eventually merged with Northwest Dairy Association at which time she was offered a position with the corporate office in Seattle, which she accepted. She worked for Northwest from 1992 until her retirement in 2009, after which she and Ray returned to Twin Falls where she took an active interest in decorating and landscaping her new home. She is survived by her husband Ray, Twin Falls, son Larry Strain, Renton, WA, brother Larry (Leslie) Hughes, Twin Falls, sister Sharon (Stan) Hawkins, Ontario, OR, stepsons Tim Thompson, Twin Falls and Terry Thompson, Homer, AK, stepdaughter Tammy (Roger) Martin, Portland, OR, grandsons Monty Strain, Twin Falls, Justin and Danny Strain, Caldwell, and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Lorna Hughes and son, Todd Strain. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Barbara’s name to St Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute, Twin Falls, ID. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16th at the First United Methodist Church, 360 Shoshone St. E., Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home, Twin Falls.