Ruth Eloise Thompson, born July 25, 1921, to parents Henry and Marie Nafziger, passed away the morning of Sunday, June 19, 2016. She was 94 years old. Eloise graduated from Florida State College for Women in 1943, at age 21, with a B.A. in Education. She married her husband of 72 years, Rev. James S. Thompson, on October 25, 1943, in her hometown, Davenport, FL. The couple had two sons before Jim went into the Methodist ministry in 1953. The family moved to Oregon, where Jim and Eloise led Methodist Churches in Sweet Home, Bend, Salem, and Woodburn, plus 5 years of service at the Methodist Conference office in Portland, before retiring in Woodburn in 1984.

Eloise was as deeply involved in serving each church as Jim was. In addition to numerous other things, she organized women's circle groups, helped with the music for church services, and headed up fundraisers, bazaars, and rummage sales to raise funds for projects in the church. She was great at getting things organized and accomplished. Eloise was a master at getting people to "volunteer" to take on projects. She was a proponent of social and racial equality, equal rights for women and children, and justice for all people. When Eloise saw a need, she worked hard to meet that need.

As an excellent cook Eloise always took "extra" to every church potluck she attended. Particularly known for making pies and other desserts, her offerings were always welcomed enthusiastically. She greatly enjoyed her roses and the flower garden she tended at home. .

Eloise has joined her parents, sister, Mary Ashoff, brother, Charlie Nafziger, and her beloved husband, Jim, in God's kingdom. She is survived by sons David and Don, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered and will be greatly missed.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to a local food bank or Heifer International ( www.heifer.org ).

A remembrance gathering will be held from 2:00 to 4:30 pm with a short service at 3:00 on Saturday, July 9th 2016 in her home's flower garden at 331 S. Columbia Dr., Woodburn, Oregon 97071.