Eleanor Katherine Thompson

Eleanor K. Thompson passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023. She was born to Miles and Tena Lenox on September 18, 1926 in La Crosse, Wisconsin along with her twin sister, Elaine K. Martens. Eleanor graduated from Logan High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Then she attended the Independence Sanitarium School of Nursing during WWII as part of the Cadet Nurse Corps training for the war effort. Eleanor married William F. Thompson on November 13, 1950. Eleanor’s professional life included her continued work at the Independence Sanitarium where she became the head nurse over pediatrics. She also worked as a nurse at Bendix, now Honeywell.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband, William F. Thompson, twin sister, Elaine K. Martens, and older brother, Loris Lenox. Survivors include: sons Tom Thompson (wife Melissa) of Lee’s Summit, MO and Terry Thompson of Independence, MO; grandchildren Matt Thompson (wife Trystan) of Eureka, KS, Tyler Thompson of Holt, MO, Aaron Thompson, and Sarah Thompson of Lee’s Summit, MO; Great-grandchildren Carmen Thompson and Princeton Braithwaite Thompson of Lee’s Summit, Indiana Jesseph of Moberly, MO, Liam Thompson of Eureka, KS, and Lochlan Thompson of Eureka, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eleanor had a great sense of humor. She was very active in church and volunteer work. She was a member of the South Crysler Community of Christ, where she played the piano for multiple services weekly. She was also given the opportunity to enjoy the company of others while volunteering for the Laurel Club at the Community of Christ Auditorium. She enjoyed making pillows, blankets, booties, etc. for the hospital with the 4F’ers, a sewing group for the Community of Christ congregation of South Crysler. Eleanor and Elaine were also volunteers for numerous community organizations, including Meals-on-Wheels and after school JAM clubs in the Independence area. She supported Outreach International from its beginning.

Eleanor enjoyed the company of others and loved to play the piano for anyone who listened or for herself. She especially loved playing hymns. She always had knitting needles in her hand when sitting while making afghans, baby outfits, hats & scarfs for others. She continued to entertain her friends, caretakers and family at Cedarhurst Care Center up until her death.

Favorite memories of Eleanor’s family include her quick wit and humor, playing card and board games. She baked an amazing Lemon Meringue Pie as well as other cookies and pies. Eleanor will be remembered for her comforting spirit, generosity, faith, integrity and care.

We miss you, Mom.