Marian Louise Thompson, 87, of Highland, slipped away into the Arms of Jesus on Monday, September 8, 2014, of cancer at KU Medical Center. She was born May 25, 1927, on a farm near Hamlin, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Irene Smith Weber. It was a prolific day: the dog had pups, the cat had kittens, a cow had a calf, her father got a new swarm of bees, and a sow had pigs.

Marian received her BS in Elementary teaching from Peru Teacher’s College (Peru, NE) and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas. She was an elementary and special Ed teacher, starting in a one-room school for 39+ years, retiring from the Doniphan County School District.

She held many offices in PRIDE, an organization for the betterment of communities and had worked tirelessly in many community projects assisting with beautification of the town with plants, delivering meals on wheels, community garden, 2 small parks, playground equipment, flowers in containers with flags along main street, a stunning entrance sign with flowers and flag pole. Marian was also instrumental in starting Doniphan West Food Pantry in Highland. Marian was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bendena; where she was active with the Women’s Society of the Church; and taught Sunday School consistently for decades. She was a member of the KS Retired School Personnel and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was nominated for the honor of Kansas Master Teacher. Best of all, she loved Jesus always and never remembered a time where she did not know Him personally and intimately. Even in the hospital, she eagerly read and listened to the scriptures.

Next to Jesus, she loved people and her family best. On June 3, 1949, Marian married the love of her life, James Elliott Thompson in Immanuel Lutheran Church near Fairview, KS, and they were married 58 years. They farmed the Thompson farm near Falls City, NE, eventually moving to Peru and later Highland, KS to pursue teaching careers. To this union was born 4 sons who survive: Franklin (Sherry) of Topeka, KS, David (Catherine) of Oak Hill, VA, Ross of Highland, Clark (Suzy) of Neodesha, KS.

Other survivors include her sister Rose Marie Hinde of Troy, KS; and 7 grandchildren: Zay (Stacey) of Kansas City, MO, Athan (Shelly) of Ellsworth, KS, Gabriel of Neodesha, KS, Soteria of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nathaniel of Denver, CO, Alex (Ashley) of Overland Park, Baruch of Kansas City, KS. One great-grand-daughter Laila Grace (daughter of Athan and Shelly) and one great-grand-daughter to be born this fall (daughter of Alex and Ashley) completed her joy. Also surviving are a niece Sally Weber of Topeka; nephews: Dan (Allison) Weber of Flagstaff, AZ, and Neil (Deborah) Weber of Anaheim, CA.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2007; a brother, Virgil; sister in law, Jo; and a nephew, Stanley (all of Rio Rico, AZ).

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Friday where the family will meet from 6:30 until 8 that evening.

Graveside services are planned for 10:30 Saturday, September 13, at the Steele Cemetery, Falls City, Nebraska. A Celebration of Marian’s life will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bendena, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 13, with Reverend Jacquie Berlien officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John’s Church or to Doniphan West Food Pantry of Highland, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, 66035.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com