Carmen A. Thompson

Carmen Thompson devoted her life to God, family, and service. Born in Breese, Illinois, she met her husband, Bob, in high school, and they married at 19. When asked how long they had been married, she often joked she was a “teenage bride.”

Her passion for education and faith led her to teach in traditional classrooms and adult Sunday school, and to serve as director of Christian education. Carmen and Bob were also very involved in Stephen Ministry, providing compassionate, faith-centered care to those in need.

Carmen’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren with fierce devotion. She is survived by her children: Larae (Jeff) Nordstrom and their children Rachel, Travis, and Luke; Kerrie (Mark) Halmi and their children Kylie and Lauren; and Nathan (Mandy) Thompson and their children Chloe, Rebecca, and Micah; as well as her brother, Darrell Neal.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Robert Thompson; her son, Kai Robert Thompson; her father, Russell Neal: her mother, Violet Swisher Neal; her stepmother, Edna Teel Neal; her sister, Janet Neal Helme.

After a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Carmen passed peacefully on May 4, 2026. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace in God’s presence. Carmen will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and joyful love that touched all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Lewy Body Dementia Association or World Vision.