Mildred M. (Milli) Thompson

Mildred M. (Milli) Thompson, 86, passed away Aug. 31, 2016 in Sun City West, Ariz.

She was born Dec. 24, 1929 in Watonga, Okla. to Ira and Rosie Wright. She attended schools both in Watonga, Ohio and Live Oak, Calif. Widowed from Carl V. Collins in 1956, Milli persevered through difficult times to obtain her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Oregon and married Duane G. Thompson in 1958.

She taught in Harrisburg and Springfield, Ore. before moving to Cheney where she taught for many years. At Cheney High School she was head of the English department and taught honors courses. While known as a teacher with a firm hand and high expectations, she was admired and respected by her students for her knowledge, her humor and her determination that they succeed.

Her life's story is remarkable with humble beginnings in Oklahoma and migrating to California with 13 brothers and sisters in an era of struggle and hardship. Through her love of literature, Milli subtly taught her students about her journey and tried to be a positive impact on their journeys. She loved to play golf, travel (visiting nearly 40 countries and touring the USA in a motorhome), read, to enjoy her children and grandchildren and to have a glass of wine now and then.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Duane G. Thompson; son Carl (Paulette) Thompson of Willits, Calif.; son Clifford (Terri) Thompson of Naples, Fla. and Cheney; daughter Lisa (Fabian) Castilleja of Poulsbo, Wash.; daughter Janni (Randy) Smith of Sandpoint, Idaho and Sedona, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her by first husband, Carl, her parents, two sisters, five brothers and a grandson.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 8, 2016 in Sun City West, Ariz. Memorials can be sent to: InvestED, Cheney HS, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney, WA 99004, Attn: Gregg Hare.