Rose Mary Thompson, age 72, died in her Lee’s Summit home surrounded by her family at 7:20 pm on April 19, 2022, after an eight year battle with breast cancer.
Rose Mary was born on March 5, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri to Graziano (Harry) Joseph Orlando and Mable Katharine Studt. She was baptized on March 26, 1950 in Jennings, Missouri at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church. She took her first communion and confirmed her faith in Jesus on May 5, 1957 in Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Rose Mary continued her education at Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school and graduated from Rosary Catholic High School in Spanish Lake, Missouri.
Rose Mary grew up with three older brothers and one younger brother. Rose Mary’s upbringing gave her a strong foundation in both family and faith.
Rose Mary is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Gordon Ray Thompson, and their four wonderful sons, David (Amy) Thompson, Taylor and William, of Miller Beach, Indiana; Ryan (Ashleigh) Thompson, Levi and Mary, of Arlington, Virginia; Paul (Katie) Thompson, Henry, of Leo, Indiana; Jonathan (Alyson) Thompson, Jayci, Camryn, Kinley of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Rose Mary is also survived by her only living sibling, Joseph Orlando and spouse Diane of Marietta, Georgia, and numerous other family members and dear friends.
Rose Mary married her sweetheart Gordon Thompson on May 27, 1972. Following their marriage, Gordon and Rose Mary joined the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and have been members of Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs, Missouri for 43 years..
Rose Mary was a consummate hostess who schooled her children and daughters-in-law in the arts of hospitality; and unfailingly remembered every children and grandchildren’s birthday, graduation, holiday, or special occasion with a card and kind word or bible verse.
Rose Mary’s home was always decorated to reflect each holiday, culminating in Christmas, her most beloved holiday. During Christmas Rose Mary’s home was a work of art, as it showcased the birth of our Lord and Savior, while reflecting the most stylish decorations of the season. One did not realize the need for a bathroom Christmas tree (or, in fact, multiple Christmas trees), until you visited her home and saw the flair and style she employed.
Rose Mary’s proudest accomplishments were introducing her children and grandchildren to the Lord, and demonstrating a biblical example, raising them to reflect the light of Christ.
Rose Mary was active in the Red Hat Society, and particularly the Lutheran Women’s Mission League (LWML). Throughout her 35 years of dedication to LWML she served the Lord as Society President, Vice President of Human Care/Gospel Outreach, Vice President of Mission Inspiration, Ruth Circle Chairman and an Officer on the Missouri District Endowment Committee. From 2012 to 2016 Rose Mary served as the Kansas City South Zone President and in 2014 served on the Host Committee of the LWML Missouri District 23rd Convention held in Kansas City.
In addition to her passionate service to LWML Rose Mary continued her mission work with the Lutheran Urban Mission Agency (formerly Lutheran Mission Association Auxiliary) of Greater Kansas City. From the late 1980s to present Rose Mary held offices including President, First Vice President, Second Vice President and Correspondence Secretary.
In 2015 Rose Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer, but battled the disease with a strong faith and determination. Although the cancer returned in 2019, Rose Mary lived every moment to the fullest. After a lengthy battle Rose Mary met her Lord and Savior on April 19, 2022 while surrounded by family.
Funeral services be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 NW R D Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00, followed by a service and luncheon. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for any memorial contributions to be sent to the Rose Mary Thompson Scholarship fund to further the education of young people at St. Paul Lutheran High School, in Concordia, Missouri and Timothy Lutheran School in Blue Springs, Missouri. Contributions can be made out to the “Rose Mary Thompson Scholarship Fund” and mailed to Truman Heartland Community Foundation, 4200 Little Blue Parkway, Suite 340, Independence, Missouri, 64057. Online giving is available at www.thcf.org starting April 21, 2022.
On behalf of the Downing and Falk family, we extend our deepest sympathy to Gordon and the Thompson family. Rosemary was the epitome of a good and faithful servant. Just as Paul did, she could confidently say she had been faithful to His call and was able to be welcomed to her eternal reward by her Savior. May your family be comforted with the promises He provides for us in His good Word. Psalms 34:18-19 tells us “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles but the Lord delivers them from them all.” Our prayer for your family is that He will be the source of your power, courage, and wisdom helping you through these difficult days.
Gordon: Our deepest sympathies to you and family at this time, Burt & Rachel Sundvold
Gordon and family,
Words cannot express how sad I am to hear that Rose Mary passed away. I always enjoyed when she visited at the Mission while I worked there. She was a true child of God and will be waiting for us all someday when we are blessed to meet our maker.
You have our sympathy and love, Kris and Kermit Redenius – Webster City, IA
Rose Mary was one of the sweetest , most caring Christian women I know. Thankful she is resting in the arms of Jesus. She will be missed! I was privileged to be her friend.
Blessings and Peace to her family!
Jan and Ken Bowman
Besides being a beautifully dressed lady, no matter where you saw Rosemary, she always made you feel welcome. She was a master of hospitality in a gentle caring manner, positive and upbeat no matter what difficulties she was facing at the time. Our sympathy goes out to the family as they will deeply miss her.
Gordon, you have my sympathy. So sorry, always enjoyed being your neighbor for 25 years.