Etta Thompson

ETTA RUTH THOMPSON, 93 of Bastrop, Texas, was called home by our Lord on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Etta was born on October 21, 1923 in Kerrville, Texas to Russell Bradley and Edith Bordelon Bradley. Etta was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 75 1/2 years, John Wesley Thompson; her parents; son John Russell "Rusty" Thompson; daughter Nadine Cecelia Thompson; brother Earl Bradley; brother-in-laws Andrew J. Thompson, Jr, Louie L. Thompson; sister-in-laws Nova Jean Thompson and Johnnie Mae Bradley. Etta is survived by her children, Jerry Rayford Thompson and wife Bonnie (of San Antonio, Texas); James Richard "Ricky" Thompson (of Yoakum, Texas); daugher Joetta Ann "Jodie" Faske and husband Steven (of Bastrop Texas); brother-in-law, Gerald Kenneth Thompson and wife Elaine (of Tarboro, North Carolina); as well as her many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Etta blazed the trail for women who wished to work outside of their home in the early 1950s. She was a beautiful loving example to all on how to balance her love and devotion to God, her family and have a successful career. She served her country as a Federal civil employee working in finance and later the Human Resource Laboratory. Throughout her career she worked at the surrounding military bases in San Antonio, Texas, Fort Sam Houston Army, Randolph Air Force and Brooks Air Force. In her 30+ years of civil service she received many rewards.

Upon retirement in 1985 John and Etta moved to their small Texas ranch "Little Cedar" in Ledbetter, Texas. Although she was a "city girl" at heart she happily followed her "country boy" to a life of woods, deer, horseshoes and many weekend barbeques with family and friends. In April 2002 due to health issues John and Etta sold "Little Cedar" and moved to La Vista Retirement Complex in San Marcos, Texas where they lived until 2010. They then moved to McKenna Village Assisted Living in New Braunfels, Texas where they lived until moving to Argent Court Assisted Living in Bastrop, Texas December 2012.

Etta's faith and family were her life. She was devoted to her Savior Jesus Christ, her husband John, and their children. After coming home from service in World War II, her husband John said, "It was Etta's devotion, love and faith that gave me the courage to stay alive and come back home safe." There couldn't be a truer statement to describe this loving wife, mother, grandma "Mammaw" and friend. She and John suffered much heartache, including the loss of two children but Etta's faith and love for family sustained them. She made many personal sacrifices for those she loved and was always willing to give her time and money to anyone in need.

Visitation and a time to share special memories of Etta will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Rosary will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00am Friday, October 13, 2017 at Ascension Catholic Church in Bastrop.

Graveside services will be 11:00am Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made in Etta's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Veterans National Association, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.