Lydia Jane “Toots” Thompson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 with her husband Tom by her side.
She was born in Malta, MT on November 10, 1941; the fourth child to Gladys and Lochiel “Shingles” Edwards.
Following graduation from Malta High School in 1959, she attended Montana State College (then) in Bozeman and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was there that she met the love of her life, Tommie Thompson, and they were married February 1 of 1964. Establishing their first home in Manhattan, KS, she nursed while he fulfilled his military obligation at Fort Riley.
Daughter Christina Lee was born soon after they returned to Montana at which time the Fannie Steele Dude Ranch west of Lincoln was purchased. Toots learned how to cook over a wood stove for the hunters Tommie guided. Later they moved to the Dick Mosher Ranch outside of Augusta where son, Gregg, was added to the family in 1969. After a brief time in Craig, MT, they settled in Helena in 1971.
With kids off to school, she returned to nursing for Dr. Faust Alvarez’s medical practice. Then she worked as a receptionist for Robert Kuntz at The Optique before becoming a Social Security Disability Claims Examiner until retirement in 2003.
During her life, Toots was involved in a wide variety of activities including being Den Mother of son Gregg’s Cub Scout troop. A devoted Christian, she served on the New Life Lutheran Church Council as well as helping put on countless church fundraisers and potlucks.
She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star; holding the office of Worthy Matron for the Mountain Star Chapter #130 (Marysville) before having the honor of the appointment of Grand Adah for the Grand Chapter during the 1982-1983 year. She belonged to the Sacajawea Chapter #37 (Malta) at the time of her death.
Toots, as she was known to family and friends, enjoyed her life with Tom, camping, crafting, and traveling with her granddaughters. She never turned down a chance to go dancing with Tom and loved to spend time (and money) on the poker machines. At their “forever home” on Silver Creek she especially enjoyed the view from the picture window over a cup of coffee, where she could watch over her bluebirds, flower garden, and Tommie.
Her high school year yearbook quote was “Dynamite comes in small packages” and she will be remembered as a fierce and fearless defender of her morals and values, and her amazing cinnamon rolls.
Lydia was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Sheila Mae Simanton.
She is survived by her sister, Elaine Brooks; brother, Bill; husband, Tom; daughter, Chris (Kevin) Blake; granddaughters, Bailey (Zach) Peterson, Kacey (Rhett) Larsen, and Amy; and great-granddaughter, Lindy Peterson. She is also survived by her son, Gregg; and grandson, Cade; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Compassus and St. Peters Hospice for your wonderful care during these last months. And a special Thanks to the staff at the BeeHive Homes for providing a comfortable and safe place for her until her passing.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials and Donations can be sent to the Dearborn Cemetery, Attn. Skyler Van Dyken, 5405 Hwy 434, Wolf Creek, MT 59648; or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204.
A Private Graveside Service is being held at the Dearborn Cemetery on Hwy 434, west of Wolf Creek on Monday, November 2, at 9:00 a.m.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Toots.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Harvey Family says
Tom, Chris and family- we are very sorry for your loss. We have many great memories of neighborhood fun. Let the beautiful memories help carry you through this difficult time.
Donald Johnson says
Tom
We are so sorry to hear of Toot’s passing. That damned Covid. Let us hope that Covid gets no more.
Take care.
Karen Maehl says
I worked with Toots back in the 80s when we worked for Dr. Alvarez. She was a great nurse and a fun, caring woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and Chris. KarenMaehl
Mary Anne McMahon says
I have the fondest memories of time spent at Toots and Tom’s while growing up! You two bailed us girls out of trouble a time or two! Rest in peace Toots and live on her legacy Tom, Chris, Gregg and families! I love you all! Hugs and Prayers! Mary Anne McMahon
Wanda Stout says
Tommie,
I am so very sorry to hear of your great loss. I think of you often and the friendship you and my late Jim held over coffee and “yellow iron”. May the love of Jesus bless you and your family with His grace and peace
Peter Burggraff says
Pe5ter and Judy Burggraff says
Tomme
We were saq to hear on the loss of Toots. May Toot5 forever rest n peace.
Larry and Chris Hoffman says
Tom and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. As like you will always remember the lady that was always up front and not afraid to voice opinion on local, state and national actions. A trait that made her the person she was ……loved that in her. She will be missed. Forever in our thoughts.
Tom, I need to add that when Larry came out he always looked forward to Toot’s baked goods. We love you both. Please call soon or we will when you are ready to visit. Because of Covid, as you know, we aren’t getting close to anyone, but please reach out if you need anything or Larrys good ear. God Bless you and yours. Chris
Richard E. Grady says
Tom and all your family.
Our prayers in remembering Toots, you and our family on many visits, cups of coffee and the great home made treats in your home. Hugs and prayers to all your family.
Richard E Grady and family
The Gosinks says
It’s been years since we’ve seen Toots and Tom, may she Rest In Peace. We enjoyed socializing with them and the Stiles family when their nephew Kirk played basketball at Carroll, and we were his host family. Fun times with all at the time. Pam and Jim
Karrie Tracy says
Uncle Tom & Family – You are in my thoughts and prayers this holiday season. I have many good memories of Aunt Toots and you all that extend back into my childhood. Aunt Toots has always been a part of my understanding and identity as member of the Edwards family. I will remember her fondly.
God bless, Karrie (Edwards) Tracy and husband Mike Tracy – Powell, Wyoming
Bill Edwards says
Hi Tom I’ve been trying to reach you by phone but with no success. I wanted to know what you did for Thanksgiving. Did you make it to Brush or did the kids come down to Helena? Hope to talk with you soon.
I miss not talking to Toots but I’m sure she is in a better place with her Savior and Lord.
Love you too?
Bill and Rian