Leanor Thompson

Leanor Thompson passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2025, at the age of 96. She was one of five children born in Lincoln, NE to parents Albert and Lucile Strain, only two of whom lived to adulthood. She graduated from Lincoln Northeast in 1947 and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics and English.

She met and married her husband of 52 years, Boyd E. Thompson, on June 29, 1952, in Lincoln, and there they raised their four children, three boys and a daughter. The family moved to Des Moines, IA for three years then to Albuquerque in 1969 as Boyd pursued a career in the restaurant business.

For many years, Lee was the smiling face that greeted patrons at the family restaurant King's Food Host. A gifted artist, she went on to open an arts and crafts store, Lee's Country Crafts on Indian School Road, then later a tole painting shop located at Candelaria and Wyoming. She also spent many hours lending a hand at the family's restaurants and fair stands including Rex's Hamburgers, currently on Montgomery, the New Mexico State Fair, and the International Balloon Fiesta.

Lee was a woman of strong faith. She was a founding member of Mesa View United Methodist Church where she served for many years as a greeter and usher. She relished the friendships and camaraderie she found in her weekly women's covenant group there. Those who knew Lee often would hear her say "Thank you Jesus" no matter how challenging the situation she faced. She was devoted to caring for others, making everyone around her feel loved, supported and important. She never met a stranger, and she could strike up a conversation anywhere. Lee truly strived to live by Jesus' commandment to love one another as He loved us. (John 15:12.)

When her husband Boyd suffered complications from brain surgery in 1992, Lee spent the next 11 years until his passing as a full-time nurse and caretaker, never lacking in devotion.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband Boyd E. Thompson, daughter Nancy Norwood, son Jay Thompson, brother Eugene Strain and niece Cindy MacDonald.

She is survived by her sons Mark Thompson (Barbara) of Houston, TX and Rex Thompson of Albuquerque; son-in-law Steve Norwood of Grafton WV; nephew Mike Strain of Lincoln NE; grandchildren Jennifer Garcia (Mike), Lindsey Boldin (Richard), Laura Stephens (Carl), Austin Norwood, Kathryn Feingold (Scott), and Kelsea Norwood; and great grandchildren Alyssa Boldin, Triston Garcia, Samantha Kain, and Emmalyn Boldin.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Cindy Linke and the staff of the Casa Palo Duro home in Albuquerque who lovingly and compassionately cared for Lee in her final years.

A Celebration of Life for Lee will be held on Friday, October 17th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the FRENCH - Wyoming Funeral Home, with a viewing and visitation preceding on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

"Kissy Kissy."

"Grow where you're planted."

"This getting ole is no kids' stuff."

~ Leanor Thompson