Nedra Thompson Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Nedra Madsen Thompson was born Friday the 13th of November, 1936. She passed away peacefully in South Jordan, Utah on July 4, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Madsen and Orea Christensen, sisters Vaneta Hamson and Janece Madsen, grandson Jason Fullmer, son Ronald Thompson and the love of her life, husband Merrill Thompson. She is survived and will be dearly missed by grandchildren Amber (Dan) Rich, John (Zoellen) Fullmer and Jeff (Dior) Fullmer. She is also survived by her aunt Katy Dahlstrom, sisters Lenna Watkins and Margene Bird, brother Neldon Madsen and brother-in-law Marcus Hamson and daughter Deborah Thompson. Nedra was a woman of unmatched strength and determination, with a multitude of talents and a zeal for life. Nedra definitely subscribed to the words of Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way". Nedra was born in Richfield, Utah and spent her growing up years around family and friends in Shoshone, Nevada and Dragerton, Orem and Pleasant Grove, Utah. She had many adventures and there was never a dull moment when Nedra was around. She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1954 then worked in Yellowstone for the summer and later, set out to find her fortune in California. Nedra worked several different jobs there, and while she may not have found a literal fortune there, she did find many interesting people, made great friends and found her soul-mate in Merrill Thompson. Nedra and Merrill were married on October 31, 1958, in San Francisco, California, and together they built a life centered on love, support, and perseverance. Merrill was in the Navy for 20 years and spent much of that time at sea. Nedra supported him and raised their two children, Deborah and Ronald, living all across the country from California, Virginia, New Jersey and Rhode Island to Hawaii. Nedra was always busy and brought her vibrant energy and indomitable spirit to every place she called home. She was very proud of graduating with an Associate's Degree in Accounting from the University of Hawaii. The family settled in Ephraim, Utah after Merrill's retirement from the Navy and Nedra opened a fabric shop where she could sew and Merrill made picture frames. It was a quiet life that allowed them to spend time together and to spend time with their grandchildren. As a small business owner, Nedra was known for her keen business acumen and her unwavering commitment to her community. She was the President of the Ephraim Chamber of Commerce and served on the Ephraim City Power Board. To her family, though, she was the best daughter-in-law, grandma, sister, wife and mom anyone could ask for and was always up for having fun anytime. Nedra and Merrill retired to St. George in 2008 and continued to enjoy one another's company. Merrill watched dotingly as Nedra became a respected card-shark as well as president of the H.O.A. in their community, Rio Virgin Estates. Nedra was deeply saddened at Merrill's passing in 2017, but carried on with her usual strength and determination. She persisted even through the unexpected passing of her son, Ronald, in 2021. He had been an unwavering and faithful caregiver for many years, but passed that torch to Nedra's grandchildren. They were honored to have taken her into their care and will be forever grateful for the time they were able to spend with Nedra in her last two years of life. They also give thanks that no words can express to the caring staff of Sagewood at Daybreak for caring for and loving Nedra, for comforting her, laughing with her and catching thrown items with patience, and to the other family members who cared for and visited Nedra, including Brain and Lourie Rabe and Mike and Kathy Embly as well many others. Nedra leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, humor and zeal. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who were privileged to know her. We invite you to share your cherished memories of Nedra on the memorial page. Please feel free to upload photos that celebrate her remarkable life and the beautiful moments she shared with all of us. Let’s come together to remember her, to celebrate her, and to carry forward the love and strength she embodied.