LaDonne Irene Thompson

LaDonne Irene Thompson passed away December 22, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on August 12, 1929, in Centralia, IL to her parents, John Allen Ferguson and Maude (Cunningham) Ferguson. She married Billy Lee Thompson on December 29, 1947, and he preceded her in death on October 12, 1956.

She is survived by a son, Kevin and wife Jean; one grandson, Lee Allen Thompson and wife Kim of Alabama; one great-grandson, Ryan; two step-great granddaughters, Katie and Meri Davis; two nieces, Jolene Hutchison and husband Gary, and Diane Hostetler and husband Larry; one nephew, Jeffrey Ferguson; one very special nephew, Larry Ferguson and wife Vickie; numerous cousins; and special caretaker of many years, Martha Holden.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Michael Lee; brothers, Paul Ferguson, Donald Ferguson; sisters-in-law, Pauline Ferguson, Jo Ann Ferguson; nephew, Randy Ferguson; nieces, Melissa Sharp; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Prior to her marriage she was employed at Illinois Brokerage Department Store in Centralia, IL. Following her marriage, she and her husband, Bill relocated to Champaign, Il, where her husband was employed as an executive with C.S. Johnson Company, a manufacturing plant where he served as a production manager. During this time, she worked for a time at Nolten-Bennet Drug Store and later as a sales clerk at J.C. Penney. While working at J. C. Penney, she had the honor and pleasure of meeting James Cash Penney, who made a visit to the Champaign store on an inspection tour. She always spoke of how nice and down to earth Mr. Penney was.

Following the birth of Michael, she became a stay at home Mom. She and her husband moved to nearby Villa Grove, where they built a new home in 1955. Her husband was killed in an auto accident in 1956 and LaDonne and her two sons, Michael, age 4, and Kevin, age 4 months, relocated to Centralia to be back home with her family.

LaDonne was a member of First Baptist Church in Centralia. She was musically talented and enjoyed playing both the piano and the organ. LaDonne’s kind, compassionate heart naturally made her the very best caregiver for anyone in need. She hosted the most wonderful parties, bringing family and friends together. LaDonne appreciated time to be outside doing yardwork and caring for her flowers, when she was able. She was a proud Grandma and loved her grandchildren with all her heart. LaDonne found making crafts and coloring in adult color books relaxing and rewarding. She was an amazing cook, who was blessed to write a published cookbook with her friend and proud to pass down the delicious flavors of her meals to friends and family. LaDonne had a bit of a sweet tooth and liked to enjoy her favorite oatmeal pies and Little Debbie snack cakes. LaDonne will be missed deeply and always remembered with a smile.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of LaDonne Thompson with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Lakeside Mausoleum at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval, with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made in LaDonne’s honor to Project Bread or Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of LaDonne may be shared with her family by visiting maczfunerlahomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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