JoAnne Frances (Alexander) Thompson

JoAnne Frances Alexander Thompson passed peacefully in her home April 30, 2024, while surrounded by family, at the age of 79. She is survived by her husband, Ronal Gary Thompson, brother Robert (Nancy) Alexander, children Richard Ronal Thompson (Cheree), Gary Wayne Thompson (Kaycie), and Tracy JoAnne Thompson Farina (Alan), 11 grandchildren, and 25.5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Perry Alexander Jr. and Adrienne Leona See Alexander, sister Carol Jean Alexander Hensley, and grandson David Vandor Thompson.

JoAnne was born July 26, 1944, to Frank and Adrienne Alexander in La Grande, Oregon. She moved to Prineville when she was 7 years old. She graduated from Crook County High School in May of 1962, and later married Ronal Gary Thompson in Salt Lake City, Ut, Temple on June 12, 1962, at the age of 17.

Music was the light of her soul and who she was. JoAnne loved music. She sang, listened to and played music of all genres. She played the piano and organ at church throughout her life, starting at a very young age.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many leadership and teaching roles for women, youth, and children’s organizations within the church. Together with Ron, they served a mission for the church from 2002 to 2004 in the Canada, Edmonton Mission. They also faithfully served in the Portland, Oregon Temple weekly from January 2005 through September 2011.

In 1982, JoAnne and Ron purchased the RadioShack in town, thus began long hours of Ron teaching JoAnne all about electronics. She truly enjoyed growing her love for the people in Prineville. They owned the store for 32 years with the help of their daughter, Tracy. JoAnne retired at the age of 69, in 2014.

JoAnne loved to garden and raise roses. She loved to make clothes and embroidery pillowcases for her family. She spent many hours with her mother-in-law learning to cook and sew. She loved Sunday drives and traveling. JoAnne and Ron took many opportunities to see the world by land and sea.

JoAnne’s biggest love was her family. She was the first to show up and be there. Her family came first in all things.

Funeral service will be held 12:30pm Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 333 SE Idlewood St., Prineville, Oregon. To join the funeral by Zoom, go to https://app.zoom.us/wc/4363996632/join?fromPWA=1, enter your name, and select join. The zoom broadcast will start approximately 12:15pm.

The family asks in lieu of flowers please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

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