Merrie Thompson

Merrie Elaine Thompson, 84, a longtime Whitefish resident, passed away of natural causes Sept. 8, 2007, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Whitefish.

She was born July 6, 1923, in Berthold, N.D., the daughter of Leatha Blanche (Albin) and Emery Elmer Prichard.

Merrie graduated from Minot High School in about 1940. She met and married Melvin Thompson in Shelby in 1942 and came to Whitefish that same year. She worked as a waitress in several restaurants in Minot, Shelby and Whitefish, where she operated a restaurant in the bowling alley within the city of Whitefish.

She was a member of the Moose Lodge, Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, and the Royal Neighbors of America. She also was the founder and very active as a coach in the Jr. Bowling League and in bowling tournaments and activities for more than 45 years.

She bred, raised and showed champion poodles in the Flathead and Canada. She was also a dog-groomer and dog-stylist in the Flathead. She enjoyed square dancing and listening to jazz and blues sessions in Whitefish, where she cut records for many musical groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Calvin Eric Thompson and close friend Barbara Roberts.

She is survived by two children, her son Gary Thompson and ex-wife Kristi Allam and grandchildren Dean Andrew Thompson and Tamera Lynn Thompson, and her daughter LaVonna Bowers and her children Rayna Strike and Mike Casey; great grandchildren Danny and his mother Karlyn, Rachel, and Catherine; close friend Margaret Murdock; and many other friends.

Memorial services took place Sept. 16, 2007, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Golden Agers Senior Center in Whitefish and their Meals on Wheels program.