Delores Ann Thompson, age 82, of Courtland, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 2, 1943, to Andy and Esther Thompson.
Delores grew up in the Scandia area and graduated from Scandia High School. She went on to attend Brown Mackie Junior College in Salina. On September 2, 1962, she married the love of her life, Gerry Gilbert Thompson, and together they built a wonderful life, sharing 63 years of marriage. They farmed and raised cattle and hogs side-by-side for many years while raising their family.
Delores is survived by her husband, Gerry; their three children, Kristy (Brad) Shrader, Jamestown, Kansas; Jeffrey (Regine) Thompson, Scandia, Kansas; and Heidi (Tony) Bivens, Courtland, Kansas; six beloved grandchildren, Ty Bivens, Wichita, Kansas; Cody Bivens, Courtland, Kansas; Jack Thompson, Scandia, Kansas; Brandon Shrader (Naomi), Jamestown, Kansas; Ryan Shrader, (Mariah), Concordia, Kansas; Dane Thompson, Manhattan, Kansas; and one great-granddaughter, Nellie Mae Shrader. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Johnson, Scandia, Kansas; brother, Joe (Mary) Thompson, Overland Park, Kansas; and numerous nephews and nieces and countless friends who adored her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Danny Thompson; her brother-in-law, Larry Johnson; and her nephew, Kirk Johnson.
A devoted homemaker, Delores poured her energy into caring for her family and community. She was active in 4-H as a longtime leader, involved in United Methodist Women (UMW), Republic County Quilt Guild, Scandia Museum Board, Scandia Industrial Development Corporation, the Scandia United Methodist Church Thrift Store, and she served faithfully on several church committees and as a leader and teacher for various youth programs throughout her life. Delores also volunteered with Republic County ARC, working with disabled youth and adults, and was employed by the U.S. Census Bureau to assist with the national census in North Central Kansas.
Delores enjoyed quilting and sewing, and her talent and patience were reflected in every stitch. Along with other United Methodist Church women and friends, she spent every February quilting hundreds of quilts that were donated to various missions, hospitals, and veterans associations. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter, and being present for and planning family activities, including camping trips. Delores loved to travel and took numerous cruises with Gerry and other family members, traveling all over the world. She especially loved taking a cruise with Gerry, their children, spouses, and grandchildren to Alaska. Another favorite trip was a cruise to Ireland, where she was able to visit the church where her ancestors were married. A favorite family gathering place was the 4T&J Pond, where many treasured memories were made.
She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her fierce devotion to family, and the countless lives she touched with kindness and love.
Funeral services will be Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at the United Methodist Church in Scandia, burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Scandia.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm, with the family greeting friends starting at 5 pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to the Scandia United Methodist Church or the Scandia Museum, and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Thompson family with these arrangements.
