Penny Louise Thompson – Malta, Idaho

Born: 12 Apr 1943

Died: 2 Feb 2017

At the age of: 73

Children: Richard LuWain, Robert Dean, Randall LeRoy, Christina Louise, Russell Kevin, Rodney Alan

Parents: Ivan LeRoy Knox & Mildred Louise Palmer

Penny Louise Thompson, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, example—while surrounded by her family, she graciously returned to her heavenly home to be greeted by her loving husband. She endured all things with grace, integrity, and compassion while serving her family and her Father in Heaven.

Penny was born April 12, 1943, in Rupert, Idaho, to Ivan LeRoy Knox and Mildred Louise Palmer. Penny and her sister, Kerry, were raised by their grandparents, George and Nora Palmer in Burley, Idaho. Her childhood was full of love, laughter and adventure. It was in her childhood when she met her true love, Larry LuWain Thompson. Penny always reminisced of the days she spent walking to school with Larry as children and playing with him, his brothers and neighborhood friends. Their friendship soon grew into an eternal love, and they were married on November 6, 1959, in Burley, Idaho. After their marriage, Penny joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Larry’s occupation then lead them to California where they were later sealed in the Los Angeles California LDS Temple. While in California, Penny always enjoyed taking many trips to Disneyland and Knoxberry Farm with their children. Penny and Larry eventually moved to Malta, Idaho, where Penny worked as a custodian at Raft River Elementary for 17 years. She enjoyed being around the kids, listening to all their stories, and being their friend.

Serving others was a big part of Penny’s life. For many years, Penny volunteered as an EMT and secretary for the Malta Ambulance. She also held various church callings throughout her life, including, Primary president, Young Womens president, and family history consultant. Family history was Penny’s passion. She spent many of her days compiling volumes of history for her posterity. She continued this calling in her life by later serving in the Twin Falls Temple.

Penny is survived by her loving children, Richard (Zena) Thompson, Robert (Kala) Thompson, Randell (Chris) Thompson, Tina (Todd) Powers, Russell (Tamara) Thompson, Rodney (Christyn) Thompson; brothers-in-law, Leland (Gay) Thompson and Keith (Carol) Thompson; sister-in-law, Michelle (Bob) Perez; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and, extended family.

Penny was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her parents; and grandparents.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Minidoka Hospice for their love, kindness, compassion, and support.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the Malta LDS Church, 280 N. 1st St., in Malta, with Bishop Dallan Spencer officiating. Burial will be at the Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the service at the church.

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