Lois M. Thompson

Oct. 5, 1919 – July 8, 2012

TORRINGTON – Longtime Torrington resident Lois Mae (Zahller) Thompson, 92, passed away in Dallas on July 8.

She was born Oct. 5, 1919, to Earl and Mamie (Howard) Zahller on the Huntley Project, near Billings, Mont.

She graduated from Billings’ St. Vincent’s Hospital Nursing School in 1940, and married Gilbert Thompson in Hardin, Mont., in 1942. The couple settled in Torrington in 1950 when Gilbert began a 25-year association with the Gillis Ford Dealership.

Lois’ nursing career spanned more than 35 years, beginning with hospital work in Hardin, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Torrington, followed by many years of work in the private practices of Drs. Leo Keenan, Jerry Rounsborg, Jim Alexander, and Richard Campbell. She retired from professional nursing in 1982 to care for Gilbert, who passed away in 1988.

For the next 20 years, Lois remained in Torrington, caring for her home and participating in community and volunteer activities. In 2009, she moved to the Dallas area to be near her daughters. Until a recent decline in her health due to congestive heart failure, she continued to enjoy family gatherings, favorite sports teams, and was an avid reader.

Survivors include daughters, Lynne Thompson, of San Antonio, and Carolyn Clark (Rod), of Garland, Texas; grandsons, Rick Poage, of Springfield, Va., and Phil Clark, of Irving, Texas; granddaughters, Shelly Cox, of San Antonio, and Valerie Carroll (Chris), of Rowlett, Texas; and great-grandsons, Nathan and Breck Carroll, as well as sister-in-law, Genevieve Zahller, of Kalispell, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Gilbert; younger brothers, Howard and Bob; as well as three sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8 in United Methodist Church at Torrington followed by a reception in the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Rev. Ora Dailey will officiate. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be in the Valley View Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com, and donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.



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