Linda Jo Erickson-Thompson 1945 - 2018
Linda Jo Thompson, 71, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2018 at Sherman Home Hospice in Phoenix. She was born June 16, 1947 in Wahoo to Martin and Martha (Trutna) Erickson. Linda married Ben Thompson on Oct. 2, 1976. The couple lived in Paradise Valley, until Ben's death in August 1999. She was a 1965 graduate of Wahoo High School, graduated from John F. Kennedy College in Wahoo and received her master's degree at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She was a devoted teacher for 45 years, well loved by students, parents and fellow teachers. In 2002 at a college reunion, Linda met her life partner, Larry Rumage. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; stepson, Ben Thompson; and step-grandson, Thomas. Left to honor Linda and remember her love are her brother, Martin Erickson; nephew, Justin; life partner, Larry; step-daughter, Kylee (Ed); step-grandchildren, Heather, Kim, Hanna and Phillip; and several cousins and their families. Funeral services were held Sept. 22 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Oct. 7 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 981 West 15th Street in Wahoo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Linda's name to the American Cancer Society.