Gail J. Thompson, 65, of Rockford and formerly Coldwater, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, at St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, after an extended illness.
She was born Feb. 14, 1943, in Alma, Mich., to D. Keith and Marjorie L. Haney Knudson. Her mother survives in Rockford. On Aug. 27, 1966, she married Robert D. Thompson, who survives.

Other survivors are a son, Mark Robert Thompson, New Bremen; two daughters, Linda M. (G. Eric) Temple, Wapakoneta, and Cheryl E. (Jeffery G.) Christensen, Brookville,; one brother, Max K. (Glenda) Knudson, Vero Beach, Fla.; and four grandchildren.

She had been a second grade teacher at St. Henry Local School for three years, a child care provider for 20 years, and had worked at Wal-Mart in Celina for 15 years. She was a member of Coldwater United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was an advisor of the youth group, was in the United Methodist Women's Group and played in the Mercer County Volleyball League. She was a member of the Wal-Mart Red Hat Squigglies, a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of the Coldwater Craft Club, a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and worked on the Christmas Walk Committee. She also was a poll worker and presiding judge for the Mercer County Election Board.
Services are 10 a.m. Thursday, at Coldwater United Methodist Church, the Rev. Allen Brown officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Contributions can be made to the Coldwater United Methodist Church or the Leota Braun Foundation, Rockford.
Condolences can be left at www.ketchamripleyfh@embarqmail.com.