Patricia Thompson

Patricia Ann Thompson

Patricia Ann Wolfenberger Thompson went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 25, 2020, at Perry Memorial Hospital. Patricia was born March 17th, 1933, on St. Patrick’s Day, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, to Ralph and MayBelle Wolfenberger. Patricia graduated from Anadarko High School in 1951 where she met her high school sweetheart, Jim Thompson. Jim and Pat were married December 13th, 1950, in Anadarko in the home of Jim’s parents. Shortly after their marriage, Jim was stationed at Camp Polk in Leesville, LA, and Pat remained in Anadarko. In 1952, they moved to Stillwater where Jim attended Oklahoma A & M College. The couple lived in several places where Jim served as band director in Buffalo, Perkins, and Woodward. In 1969, Jim and Pat and their five children moved to Perry where Jim accepted the position of Perry Elementary School principal until 1980. All five of their children graduated from Perry High School.

Patricia worked at Charles Machine Works and later became the secretary at the Perry Junior High School. She eventually was hired as a secretary for the Perry School Superintendent, working for Byrd Anderson and John Coker. In 1980, Jim accepted the position of superintendent and Pat become his secretary which was a unique and tremendous working relationship for them. Pat retired in 1988 when the couple moved to Scott City, KS, where they lived until 1994, while Jim was superintendent of Scott City Schools. In 1994 they returned to Perry.

Patricia was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Perry and served the church in a variety of ways. Pat was a member of the choir and active in their Sunday school class. She also participated in several of the Stagecoach Theatre productions. Her favorite theatrical role was Mother Abbess in the “Sound of Music”. Patricia volunteered in the Scott City library. She was an avid reader and loved books she collected from all over. Another highlight for Pat was playing Mrs. Santa Claus each Christmas at the Perry Elementary school and church. She loved children and always had a hug for each one. Pat treasured the mountains and enjoyed many family trips to Red River, New Mexico, and anywhere in Colorado. Pat always counted on her morning sunrises, the birds in her backyard and every flower bloom in season. Her biggest joy was a house full of family, a kitchen full of home-cooked food and incredible laughter. The memories of love are endless from playing cards and dominoes, sharing recipes, watching movies, telling stories and reminiscing, and always, always rocking a grandbaby! Her door was continuously open and she greeted everyone with excitement and affection. She gave the best hugs! Patricia, who is known to everyone as “Granny”, was warm, kind, loving, never met a stranger and made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. On many occasions Pat and Jim served as substitute grandparents for other kids in the community. Pat also delighted in watching her grandkids in all of their activities and a special highpoint for each family member was anticipating the phone call the first thing in the morning on their birthdays. Granny and papa would call and sing “happy birthday” EVERY year to everyone in their family. So many extraordinary memories. Pat was notorious for remembering dates and phone numbers. In the last couple of years, Pat and Jim enjoyed living at The Lodge in downtown Perry where they made life-long, incredible friends.

Patricia is survived by the love of her life and husband of over 69 years, Jim, and their children: Steve Thompson and his wife Ranay, Oklahoma City; Teresa Jones and her husband Buddy, Perry; Jamie Thompson, Tulsa; Mike Thompson and his wife Kim, Perry; and sister, Judy Reichard and her husband, Jim of Tulsa. She also leaves behind to treasure her memory her eleven grandchildren: Angie Jones, Stillwater; Jennifer Shields (Jayson), Perry; Brian Jones (Kristy), McLoud; Michael Anne Pentz (Nick), Brockport, NY; Jessica Jeter (Greg), Ramona; Julie Morris (Doug), Edmond; Joshua Thompson (Rachel), Bixby; Kristin

Gibson (Shaun), Perry; Alissa Thompson, Oklahoma City; Taylor Thompson (Brandy) of Leedey and Cole Thompson of Oklahoma City. She also leaves behind 30 great grandchildren. She is survived by her special friend and caretaker who is more like family, Linda Deyoe. She was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Judy, and her parents, Ralph and MayBelle Wolfenberger. What a glorious reunion!

What a legacy Pat leaves behind for her family who will remember her most for her generous love and affection. Patricia was recently asked what she thought heaven would be like and she replied, “heaven will be like rocking babies!”

The family would like to thank all of our friends for their outpouring of love, support and prayers in the recent weeks. An extra thank you goes to Dr. Blake and Ronna Baird not only for their devotion and special care of Pat over the years but also for being extraordinary neighbors. Thank you to the Perry Memorial Hospital whose staff was compassionate and dedicated to our sweet granny.

Friends are welcome to stop by Brown Dugger Funeral Home of Perry,on Thursday and Friday to pay their respects and sign the guest book.  The family will be present to receive guests at an evening reception at the funeral home on Friday night from 6 until 8.  Patricia’s eleven grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Services for Patricia will be Saturday, February 1st at 10:00am at the First United Methodist Church in Perry with Rev. April Coates and Patricia’s grandson, Brian Jones, officiating. Graveside services will follow at Grace Hill cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s honor to the American Legion Post 53, Perry Lion’s Club or the First United Methodist Church of Perry.