Edith Thompson

On Monday, December 14, 2020, Dedie Thompson, loving wife and beloved member of her community passed away at the age of 84. Dedie was born on April 15, 1936 in Raymond, WA to Mary and Henry Orkney as one of eight children: Marcella, Charlotte, Betty Jeanne, Henry, Mary Jane, Jack, and Bill. She attended Raymond High School, class of 1954. In 1957 married Albert “Buck” Buckingham, for the next 26 years she helped raise his two daughters, Kathleen and Evie until Bucks passing in 1984. Afterwards she would move back to Raymond to be with her family and community. Marrying Ray Thompson in 1993 the two would spend the next twenty-seven years of marriage building their home at 1407 Fowler and travelling for over twenty of those years in their RV. Dedie had a passion for life and connection with her fellow man. She was a member of many organizations including the South Bend Eagles Aux, Bell’s and Buoy’s RV Club, and the treasurer of the American Legion Aux. #150 for twenty years. She participated in numerous Cancer Walks with the Moses Lake to Spokane Walk-A-Thon, representing her perseverance and dedication as Dedie was the only participant to finish the entire distance. She started off in the rear and by days end she was clearly the group favorite, collecting friends on her way, helping each other to battle the hills and heat of Eastern Washington. Later, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, but just as she did in Moses Lake, she overcame this hurdle to continue onto her next challenge, this would come in the form of her bladder cancer diagnosis. Over the last two decades she would support and become actively involved in many local charities like Crisis Support and Helping Hands, as well as participating in the ILWU Labor March in 1998. She also played a major role in the organization of the annual Thompson family reunions. Dedie was known, and will be remembered, for her genuine soul, positive attitude, and indomitable spirit. Dedie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary, father, Henry, and siblings: Marcella, Charlotte, Betty Jeanne, Henry, Mary Jane, and Bill. She is survived by her husband, Ray, her brother Jack, her nephew Pat Jump, her grandsons Mark and Ryan and great grandchildren Morgan, Madyson, Jack, Isabelle, Evan and so many who will miss her in the Orkney and Thompson clan. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday December 22nd at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo. In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to Dedie’s favorite charities: Crisis Support and/or Helping Hands. At this time, per Dedie’s wishes, we are strictly following Washington state mandate, everyone must wear a mask and stand six feet apart. If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided for you. There will be a limited amount of parking near the gravesite for those who need to remain in their cars. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edith Thompson please visit our Sympathy Store.