Gertrude Mae Thompson

December 9, 1930 - March 22, 2020

Gertrude (Deininger) Thompson, 89 years old, passed away in her home on March 22, 2020 in the Redland area of Oregon City. She lived an extremely healthy and active life until stricken by plasma cell leukemia, with symptoms arising the last 2 months of her life. Gertrude was on hospice and got to be at home, where she wanted to be. She was cared for by Elaine McDaniel, Rozanna Burroughs and Amy Forster with family and friends checking in on her. Her son, Roger Thompson, graciously maintained the yard. Gertrude was born on December 9, 1930 to John and Louise Deininger, who owned a potato farm in Redland. She learned at an early age to work hard in the fields and passed that experience on to her children. Gertrude was married to Leonard Thompson for more than 50 years before he passed in 2005. They lived in West Linn for many years, raising their children and participating in school activities. Gertrude acted as a 4-H and Girl Scout leader for her daughter. Gertrude was involved with many meetings and trips for Job’s Daughters. During her children’s schooling, she opened her home to four exchange students from different countries, a tradition her daughter carries on today. While in West Linn, Gertrude belonged to Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church and cared for her church community. Gertrude and Leonard moved back to Redland about 17 years ago. Throughout her lifetime, Gertrude worked for several companies, including Mobile Oil, Gilbert Brothers, and Grimm’s Fuel, doing a variety of different office jobs, from accounting to payroll. She was a smart and compassionate businesswoman. Together they owned many rental properties that Gertrude continued to manage after his passing. Gertrude lived a life of service and love. She was a pillar in the community and touched the lives of all she met in a very positive way. She was active in the Redland Grange for almost 80 years, joining when she was 9 years old. Growing up, Gertrude attended many dances at the grange, one of which is where she met Leonard. The Grange provides community outreach including Craft Sales, a Christmas Dinner and Program, and Road Clean Up. She has held offices in grange, attended meetings and fundraisers religiously, and tended to the maintenance of the grange whenever possible. Gertrude enjoyed her Fellow Grangers and all that the Grange stood for. She was also a many year member of P.E.O., an International Women's organization that raises money for women's scholarships. P.E.O. provides loving relationships and continues to help women in need of furthering their education. Her daughter, and later granddaughter joined P.E.O. as well. Many fun experiences and fond memories were shared with her daughter at P.E.O. conventions. Gertrude has served for many years as the treasurer of Chapter C. In her later years, she cooked for and fed the homeless through NW Community Outreach Ministries. Gertrude recruited others to help with the cooking and serving. Almost every Sunday was spent peeling and cooking mashed potatoes, preparing condiments, or baking desserts. On Mondays, she provided food and served milk to the homeless who adored and respected her. It was after feeding the homeless that her friends saw how tired and short of breath she was and encouraged her to see the doctor that day. Less than a month later she was diagnosed and passed. Gertrude was a spectacular hostess. Every year, her family looked forward to gathering at her house for Thanksgiving dinner. She enjoyed bringing her family together for this joyous occasion. Providing food was one way she showed affection. Even when she was sick, hosting Thanksgiving was on the forefront of her mind. There was always a 5-gallon jar of cookies in her freezer. All of her children’s friends enjoyed lots of food and fun during sleepovers, get togethers and parties. You never left her house hungry. Gertrude is survived by: children Roger Thompson and Elaine McDaniel; granddaughters Richelle and Jillian McDaniel; and siblings Joan Jones and Cliff Brandt. Her passing comes at a challenging time when her many friends and family are not allowed to gather, grieve together or celebrate her life. PLEASE share stories and comments this Tribute Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, Gertrude wanted donations to be made in her honor to charities. Suggestions are the American Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society, NW Community Outreach Ministries, Redland Grange 796, or to P.E.O. Chapter C or International.