Jaquetta Mae Thompson

Jaquetta Mae Thompson, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by her son and daughters at her home in Sun River, Montana on December 24, 2019. She flew free to join her best friend and husband, the love of her life, Arlen Thompson. She was born in Maysville, Oklahoma on September 6, 1935, to Mosco Merle and Della Mae Richardson Mitchell.She married Arlen C. Thompson on September 18, 1953, in Bakersfield, California. She moved with Arlen to his various stations while he was in the U.S.Air Force.They later moved to the Target Range area of Missoula, MT where they began raising their family.They relocated to the Ninemile Valley in Huson, MT where they farmed and ranched. Jaquetta worked tirelessly alongside Arlen milking cows, putting up hay, enjoying her chickens, and gardening.She was active in 4H with her children, a member of the Montana Cowbelle Association (the ladies of the Montana Stock growers), and was a long-time member of the Ninemile Ladies Club. She was also active in the Ninemile Community Center activities and was a member of the Stark Stumblers square dance group. Jaquetta taught her children all about their surroundings including wildflowers, raising and harvesting wild berries and other foods. She loved shooting, especially trap shooting. All of her children grew up to be as great a crack shot as she was. She and Arlen spent many wonderful times with friends from Missoula, Huson, and later, Sun River where they moved in their retirement years.It was never retirement; they travelled, fished, canoed, bicycled, hiked, and loved their way across Montana and many other states. As a stroke survivor for over 20 years, she was an inspiration to us all as she relearned speech, was a creative writer of short stories and poems, participated in trapshooting, swimming, and continued her creative talents in sewing, quilting, and knitting.She loved bird watching and was a talented photographer. One of her greatest passions was genealogy; she was adept at research and using her computer throughout her days. She was very proud of her Cherokee heritage, which she traced through her hobby of genealogy. Jaquetta loved life and two of her often-heard quotes were, "you have to keep going" and "go have fun!" She loved all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren fiercely and was the strength and glue of the family. She was a true warrioress, exuding grace and strength to all she cared about. She could also put you in your place as fast as she could thread a needle. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth M. Mitchell; and her husband of 59 years, Arlen Thompson. She is survived by daughter, Susan Stanley and son-in-law Pat O'Herren of Huson, MT; son, Greg Thompson of Sun River, MT; daughter, Laura Cyr and son-in-law Dave Cyr of Huson, MT; daughter, Janis Bouma and son-in-law Todd Orr of Libby, MT; grandchildren, Jason (Melissa Lieurance) Stanley and their children, Litha and Spyros of Carmel Valley, CA; Jennifer (James Hall) Stanley and their children, Gwendolyn, Samantha, and Conner of Huson, MT; Heather (Brian) Palmer and their children, Emma, Beau, and Ella of Huson, MT; Casey (Dustin) Denny and their children, Rylan, Peyton, and Carter of Frenchtown, MT; numerous and much loved nieces, nephews and cousins; and many special friends. At Jacquetta’s request, no services will be held.A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date. Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"