Ann Marie Davis Thompson

Our beloved Ann Marie Davis Thompson slipped peacefully away on March 22, 2024 at 96 years of age.  

Ann was born October 25, 1927 to Walter Morse Davis and Anna Marguerite Rider Davis at Pleasantview Idaho, a ranching community on the west edge of the Malad valley.  She and her 2 brothers, Ralph and Tom, had idyllic childhoods, raised by hard-working, loving parents amidst extended family members and many friends.   Music was a big part of her life.   At one point she rode her horse 5 miles each way to piano lessons.  She was an accomplished pianist and organist and accompanied innumerable soloists, groups, choirs and congregations over decades.  She gave piano lessons to great-grandchildren well into her 90s.  She was also a talented tap dancer and enjoyed interpretive dance in college.

Ann attended Pleasantview Elementary where she made lifelong friends and graduated from Malad High School in 1945. She then attended Albion State Normal School for 2 years, graduating and receiving a teaching certificate in 1947.  She moved to Jerome, Idaho that year to accept a teaching position.  Shortly thereafter she was invited by a handsome trumpet-playing dance band leader Wayne J. Thompson, to replace his piano player.   They made music in more ways than one and were married June 8, 1948 in the Salt Lake temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wayne and Ann farmed northeast of Jerome all their married life, raising alfalfa, wheat, beans and potatoes.  Their race horses were an enjoyable diversion. Most importantly, Wayne and Ann raised three beautiful children, Susan, Teri and Shawn.   

Ann’s vegetable and flower gardens were legendary. Her home was always immaculately clean and inviting.  Anyone who experienced Ann’s cooking and baking perfection was very fortunate indeed.  Her work ethic was unsurpassed, and all of what she did was an extension of the sincere love she had for her family, friends and neighbors.

Wayne passed in 2002.  A few years later, Ann sold the remainder of the family farm and purchased a residence in Jerome.  She lived there by herself until her death, still driving her car to run errands and keep appointments before she entered the hospital on March 13^th of this year. She drove her friends to activities at the Jerome Senior Citizen Center for many years.  She was a frequent spectator at multitudes of athletic and cultural events involving her ever-increasing progeny.  Following their mom’s example with respect to her own mother, Ann’s daughters made it possible for her to preserve her treasured independence and quality of life with constant love and service.  The last 40 acres of Wayne and Ann’s farm, now known as Four Brands Farm, is owned by her grandson and his wife, Brian and Megan Williams, and remains the scene of many family and extended family gatherings.

Ann was one tough cookie.  She survived a near fatal extended illness at the time her second daughter was born, when doctors did not believe it possible.  In the 1990s, following a devastating hail storm that wiped out their entire crop, and over Wayne’s protestations, she went to work on the graveyard shift for 2 different employers for 15 years to help keep the family’s finances intact.

No matter what her personal circumstances at the time were, Ann served faithfully in many church callings, which at one time included being Relief Society President.  She actively participated in Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

Ann never complained about anything.  She also never felt sorry for herself.  Early in life she placed her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and that faith sustained her during every adversity and trial.  For her entire life she loved and supported her immediate and extended family, neighbors, and friends.  Spouses of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that entered the family were treated by Ann as if they were her own.

During the last 9 days of her life, every child, grandchild and great-grandchild were able to visit Ann, express their love and gratitude, and say their farewells. She recognized each family member, called them by name and assured them that they were a special person.  The family is grateful for this tender mercy.

Ann is survived by her three children, Susan Williams (Rob), Teri Stokes-Crouch (Ben), and Shawn Thompson; 13 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren, with number 38 due any day. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Pat Davis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.  Her husband Wayne, brother Ralph, sister-in-law Beth, and son-in-law Gary D. Stokes preceded her in death.

The entire family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving, dignified care given our precious Ann by the staff of St. Lukes Regional Medical Center Twin Falls from March 13^th through the date of her death.

Ann’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am, Friday, March 29, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jerome Stake Center, 26 N Tiger Dr, Jerome, Idaho. The service will be livestreamed on Farnsworth Mortuary Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Ann’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.