Ilene K. Thompson
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Ilene K. Thompson, 72, passed away at her Lawrence, Kansas home on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
She was born in Odell, Nebraska, the daughter of Alfred L. Luhring and Emma B. (Fritzler) Luhring on January 5, 1948. She was raised with her three sisters on the family farm near Hollenberg, Kansas, attending country schools and later graduated from Hollenberg High School in 1965, receiving a Betty Crocker “Homemaker Award.”
She was first married to Donald R. Meyer. He preceded her in death in 1969. She and Thomas Thompson were married on May 13, 1972. During their marriage they resided at Gillette, Wyoming; Carbondale, Illinois; Parsons, Kansas; Sedalia, Missouri; Helena, Montana; and upon their retirement, finally moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 2018.
Ilene held several jobs outside the home, but primarily focused on child care and being a nanny. She made an impact on many children’s lives through the years.
She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and especially baking.
Her survivors include, husband, Tom of Lawrence; a daughter, Amy L. Thompson of Lawrence; a daughter, Alicia M. Thompson of Kansas City; a grandson, Keaton Thompson of Lawrence; and three sisters, Carol Foster of Topeka, KS, Donna M. Rothell of Tecumseh, NE and Karen A. Luhring of Tulsa, OK.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at First United Methodist Church –West Campus (Celebration Center). Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 16th at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorials are suggested to the Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, Kansas and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Alicia, I’m so sorry for your loss, I am glad I’m your neighbor to be here for you, and no matter what you go through Terry and I are always here, I will be thinking about you every day, we love you and don’t hesitate to ask for anything!! Love you!
Tom, Alicia, Amy, Keaton, Karen, and the rest of the family, I am praying fiercely for peace and comfort during this unimaginable loss.
Ilene was such a sweet lady with such an incredible heart. I regret not seeing her more while on this Earth ???? I love you all and anything you need, I am here.
Alicia and family, we are so sorry for your loss and pray for peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Thompson’s family
My family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
The Strothers
Dear Amy, Keaton, Tom and Alicia,
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Ilene always welcomed me, and then later my young daughter, into her home with open arms. I remember visiting your house in Sedalia and she was always overjoyed to see Amy and her friends. Most recently she was so kind to my daughter at your home in Lawrence.
Sending love and peace to you.
Tom and family,
Sending comforting prayers your way.
— Michele Cave