Merrie Elaine Thompson, 84

Merrie Elaine Thompson, 84, a longtime Whitefish resident, passed away Saturday evening, Sept. 8, 2007, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Whitefish, of natural causes.

She was born July 6, 1923, in Berthold, N.D., the daughter of Leatha Blanche (Albin) and Emery Elmer Pritchard. She graduated from Minot High School in about 1940.

She met and married Melvin Thompson in Shelby, in 1942 and came to Whitefish in that same year. She worked as a waitress in several restaurants in Minot, Shelby and Whitefish where she operated a restaurant in the bowling alley within the City of Whitefish.

She was a member of the Moose Lodge, Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, and the Royal Neighbors of America. She also was the founder and very active as a coach in the junior bowling league and in bowling tournaments and activities for over 45 years. She bred, raised and showed champion poodles in the Flathead and Canada. She was also a dog groomer and dog stylist in the Flathead Valley.

She enjoyed square dancing and listening to jazz and blues sessions in Whitefish where she cut records for various musical groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emery Elmer Pritchard and Leatha Blanche (Albin) Pritchard Howell; her husband, Melvin; a son, Calvin Eric Thompson; and close friend, Barbara Roberts.

She is survived by two children, her son, Gary Thompson and ex-wife, Kristi Allam, and grandchildren, Dean Andrew Thompson and Tamera Lynn Thompson; and her daughter, LaVonna Bowers, and her children, Rayna Strike and Mike Casey and wife Denice; great-grandchildren, Danny and his mother Karlyn, Rachel and Catherine; close friend, Margaret Murdock, and many other friends.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish with a luncheon to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Moose Lodge provided by the Women of the Moose.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Senior Center in Whitefish and their Meals on Wheels program.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of arrangements.