Emma Thompson 1926-2015
Emma Gleason Thompson, 89, of Holton, Kansas, died Thursday, July 16, 2015, of natural causes at Holton Community Hospital.
She was born April 27, 1926 in Council Grove, to David and Nira Gleason. She married Roger M. Thompson, also of Council Grove, on Jan. 21, 1945.
Emma started her working career as a hairdresser, owned and operated with her husband the Rendevous soda fountain and lunch bar in Council Grove for six years. In 1956, Roger joined the Kansas Highway Patrol and the family moved to Holton. While in Holton Emma worked as a legal secretary for Don Sands. She also sewed and did alterations for the Toggery men’s store on the north side of the Square in Holton.
In 1966, the family transferred to Salina (except for Rogette) where she was office secretary for the Scottish Rite Bodies. In 1972 the family was transferred to Wichita. While in Wichita, Emma worked for the Kansas Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors' Association as assistant to its director.
Emma was also a homemaker raising four children, Rogette (Jay) Branam and Monte Thompson of Holton, Brian (Patti) of Lead Hill, Ark., and Kim of Pittsburgh, Pa. She was grandmother to six grandchildren, Lesley Harris (Dan), Jennifer Swindale (Kevin) and Brett Branam of Holton, Cale Thompson (Tessa), Aundrea (Justin) Rogers and Aly (Steven) Seeley of Lead Hill, Ark.; eight great-grandchildren, Morgan Cashier (Jarrod) Thompson, Caitllyn and Scott Cashier, Blake, Garrett and Tyler Harris of Holton, Cruz Thompson and Logan Seeley of Lead Hill, Ark.; and last, two baby great-great-granddaughters that she found adorable and always put a smile on her face, Anberlyn and Emmaley Thompson of Holton.
She was preceeded in death by her husband Roger (2006), son Monte (1972) and granddaughter Kadi Branam (1997).
Funeral services were held Friday, July 24 at First United Methodist Church, 21 N. Mission in Council Grove. Pastor Larry Buss, formerly of Holton, conducted the service. Internment was held in Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Council Grove.
Because of the excellent care Emma received, by Dr. Lassey and the Holton Community Hospital nurses and everyone she came in contact with while there, a memorial has been established by the family for use toward patient-family rooms at Holton Community Hospital. Having a room available to our family was greatly appreciated. Contributions may be sent to the attention of Pam Holaday at Holton Community Hospital, 1110 Columbine Drive, Holton, KS 66436.
(PAID OBITUARY)
