Evelyn Thompson

On May 25, 1931, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon, Evelyn Marie Thompson came into this world, the beloved daughter of Hilda Anna Christina Nieche Thompson and Lloyd Alexander Thompson. She grew up on the family farm with her older brother, Fred Thompson (who survives her), and her younger sister, Marilyn (who preceded her in death). Living through the Great Depression, Evelyn learned resilience, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency—skills she carried proudly throughout her 94 years.In 1949, Evelyn graduated from Stanfield High School as valedictorian of her class of 20 students. Smart, determined, and already known for her cheerful spark, she set out into the world with equal measures of confidence and curiosity.Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Rawson, and together they made their home in Ridgefield, Washington. There they raised their children, Verna Rawson Dicus and Doran Lee Rawson. In the early 1970s, Evelyn proudly purchased her little farm on the hill, a place that became her sanctuary and her pride.Community and fun were always a part of Evelyn’s story. She and Vernon belonged to the local Grange and were enthusiastic members of square-dancing clubs such as the Happy Hoppers and Busy Bees. Evelyn, of course, sewed all of their matching square dance outfits herself—each one a lively swirl of fabric that spun just as brightly as she did on the dance floor.A true master seamstress, Evelyn stitched more than just clothes—she stitched love and artistry into everything she touched. She sewed her children’s school clothes, special-occasion dresses, and countless other garments. Beyond sewing, she excelled in embroidery, tatting, knitting, crocheting, and other fine needlework. Her hands were rarely still; whether creating a practical garment or a delicate lacework treasure, Evelyn delighted in crafting beauty that would be cherished for years to come.Later, Evelyn’s life took a new turn when she married Raymond Thompson, following the passing of his wife, Donna. With this marriage, Evelyn gained four stepchildren: Karen, Ray, Shonda, and young Michelle who she raised as her own.Evelyn also built a career she was proud of, working for 32 years as a fabric cutter at Jantzen Knitting Mills, where she retired in 1992. Her professional work mirrored her personal passions: precision, craftsmanship, and pride in creating things that lasted.Evelyn found her deepest peace and joy outdoors. Fishing at dawn, camping under the stars, huckleberry picking, clam digging, smelt dipping, and rock hounding filled her days with happiness. Black Labradors were her loyal companions, frogs always made her smile, and her gardens of flowers and vegetables were her lifelong pride.Of course, Evelyn’s skill also shone in the kitchen. Everyone adored her potato salad, her famous pumpkin rolls, her fermented dill pickles, and her fresh apple cake. These weren’t just recipes—they were traditions she handed down.Over the course of her long life, Evelyn cared for and outlived five special men who shared her journey: Vernon Rawson, Raymond Thompson, Vernon Anderson, Howard Johnson, and, for the past 15 years, Ernest “Phil” Jordan, who preceded her in death by only a few short months.Evelyn is survived by her daughter Verna Rawson Dicus; her brother Fred Thompson; her stepchildren Karen, Ray, Shonda, and Michelle; her special niece Linda and Linda’s daughter Maddison; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Doran Rawson, in 2012.Evelyn passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, just one day after celebrating her 94th birthday. She will be laid to rest at a graveside service at Northwood Park Cemetery, 16407 NE 15th Ave, Ridgefield, WA, at noon on Friday, September 12th, followed by a reception at Footprints Church, 801 NE 194th Street, Ridgefield. She will rest alongside her beloved son, Doran, honoring her wish that their cremains be buried together—between Raymond and Phil, the two companions of her later years.For those who would like to honor Evelyn, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to two organizations especially close to her heart: Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and Northwest Battle Buddies, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans so they can regain independence and rejoin their communities.Her life was a patchwork quilt of resilience, creativity, adventure, and love—stitched together with laughter, good food, loyal friends, family, and the quiet peace of the great outdoors.