Vivian Thompson, 77, passed away to be with the Lord, July 9, 2014, due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. She was born Feb. 5, 1937, in Bridger to Christian and Emma Saylor, one of 18 children.
Vivian grew up primarily in Billings, where she graduated from high school in 1955. After high school, she went to work for the General Custer Hotel as a PBX operator for eight years in Billings. There she met the love of her life, Ray Thompson. After a six-month courtship, they were married Aug. 18, 1962, in Red Lodge City Park.
They lived in Missoula, Hamilton, Milltown and returned to Missoula in 1972, where Ray still resides. They had two children: son Brett, born in 1963, and daughter Angela in 1968. They were happily married for 51 years and just under 11 months. Vivian worked for the Missoula Mercantile as the elevator operator. She went to work for Kmart in 1979.
She retired to enjoy fishing and exploring the great outdoors with Ray. They loved looking for wildlife, especially whitetail bucks that often pass their house in Missoula. In addition, Vivian loved to cook, garden and read Sidney Sheldon mysteries.
Babe and Mom, we love and miss you so much. We know that you are peace and someday we will all reunite. Caramel, your four-legged chocolate lab, says “me, too.”
Her parents, Christian and Emma Saylor, and 14 siblings preceded Vivian in death. Her two black labs, Cinder on April 2, 2008, and Tina Bear in July of 1995, also preceded her in death.
Vivian is survived by her spouse, Ray of Missoula; her son, Brett Thompson of Missoula; her daughter, Angela and son-in-law Sabino of Anchorage, Alaska; her stepson, Wade (Ann) of Orlando, Florida; her sister, Pauline (Ron) of Federal Way, Washington; her brother, Eugene (Dottie) of Nolanville, Texas; siblings Dan of Columbus and Alice of Billings; and numerous nieces and nephews but would like to recognize the nieces she spoke of most often, Theresa, Tammy, Debra, Shirley and Barbara. Many friends also survive her. We thank our family and friends, who have supported us during this traumatic time – words cannot fully express our gratitude.
A memorial service will be held at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 4616 Gharrett St., at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3. A reception will follow at the same location. The family will be greeting friends and relatives starting at 9:30 a.m.
This obituary and pictures will be posted at the Buffalo Hills Funeral Home and Crematory website at buffalohillfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (1-800-225-5355; rmef.org), 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808); or to charity of your choice. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory in Kalispell is caring for the family.
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