Karin Lee Thompson

Karin Lee (Dow) Thompson passed away on Friday, October 13th, 2023. Karin was born on the family dairy farm in Cheney, WA to Albey and Carmilla Dow on Nov. 22nd, 1941. When she was 3 years old she moved with her mother and sister Juanita to Sunnyside, WA to live with her grandfather, Ben Wattles. Karin graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1960 where she was homecoming Queen and a cheerleader.  At the beginning of her sophomore year, she met her high school sweetheart, Dave Thompson. Thus, were combined two of the greatest loves of her life, her love of learning and her lifelong love match with Dave. She and Dave married on August 3rd, 1962. They shared many amazing years of marriage. After their wedding the couple moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where Karin received her B.S. Degree from the University of Alabama and was named to the Deans List of Superior Students. While in college Karin was named Miss Charming, Leo’s Loveliest and Miss Diorama. From the University of Alabama her educational travels took her to Eastern Michigan University where she earned her Masters Degree.  She began her teaching career in Ypsilanti, Michigan Public Schools as a home economics teacher. From there she went to the Minidoka County School District in Idaho where she was named Educator of the year in 1975. She and Dave then moved back home to the Yakima Valley where she began her career as a K-12 school counselor. She was able to meet and share the lives of an amazing number of students, faculty and staff. She served as an officer in the Yakima Counselors Association for several years. Karin was a voracious reader. She pursued her reading in earnest after her retirement in 2006. She owned an extensive library of the classics and current fiction.  Left to mourn her is her husband of 61 years Dave Thompson, her daughter in law Juneanne Thompson Gergen, grandchildren Dacia Thompson, Tillatha and Forrest Thompson. Great grandchildren Jacob Thompson  & Logan Callow, sister Juanita Archer, nieces and nephews.  Karin was preceeded in death by her mother, father, sister and her only child Derrick Thompson.  Per her request there will be no services. You may remember her by emulating how she lived. Love unconditionally those around you. Be extraordinarily generous and gracious, enjoy life long learning and fill your life with gratitude.  A special thanks to her second home caregiver at Fieldstone Retirement/Assisted Living. She loved it and thank you all so much. Those wishing to sign Karin online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Interment Sunnyside Cemetery.  

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