Ruth Schwaninger Thompson: Obituary

Ruth Thompson, age 92, died Monday, August 18, 2014 in Shalimar, FL.She was a former resident of Ellijay. She was born February 25, 1922 in Princeton, NE to Edward Schwaninger and Ruby Pfeiffer Schwaninger. Preceded in death by her husband Sam L. Thompson, Jr. in 2005.

Survived by children, Sam Thompson III of Gastonia, NC; John Thompson of Lake Placid, FL; Nancy Teal (Steve Teal) of Decatur, GA; David Thompson of Talking Rock, GA; grandchildren, Robin Thompson Hamby, Christina Thompson Sullivan, Kimber Teal Bell, Justin Teal, Travis Thompson, Melissa Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Colton Thompson; 9 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also survived by her sisters, Olive Friendt, Betty Stevens, Mary Ann Hayes, and brothers, Bob Schwaninger, Marv Schwaninger, and Jim Schwaninger. Ruth was especially proud of her German Swiss heritage and the good health she enjoyed for much of her life.

Ruth cherished her childhood growing up on a farm in Nebraska. She was the oldest child of 7 and enjoyed milking cows alongside her dad. She married a military man, Sam Thompson, in Tucson, AZ in 1944. Relishing military life, she remained in contact by letter with many people she befriended as the family relocated numerous times. She rarely worked outside of the home, but made a career of taking care of her family. She especially loved to cook and passed that interest on to her children and grandchildren.

Most important to her was her Christian faith. She is remembered as a kind, caring, honest, generous, devoted friend. She was also resilient, determined and steadfast.

Her last years were spent among compassionate people at Hawthorn House assisted living in Shalimar, Florida. Although she suffered from dementia her personality still came through and the staff there loved her.

She would remind all of us, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Graveside memorial service to be planned in Yukon cemetery at a later time.

Memorial gifts may be made to Air Force Enlisted Village at www.afenlistedwidows.org/give.html

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made at http://www.bernhardtfh.com/fh