Myrtle L. Thompson

Myrtle L. Thompson, 106, of Galesburg, formerly of Wataga, died at 8:33 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Crystal Pines Health Care Center in Crystal Lake. Myrtle was born June 6, 1904 in Prairie City, IL the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Powell) Dykeman.  She married Leo Trout in 1922.  He preceded her in death in 1927. She later married Clyde Thompson on Oct. 9th 1931.  He preceded her in death in 1982.  Myrtle is survived by 3 sons, Clyde “Tom” Thompson of Carmel, CA, Leo Trout, Jr. of Seaside, CA, and Bob (Marietta Chapple) Thompson of Woodstock; one daughter, Vivian Clevenger of Hemmitt, CA; and a sister, Betty Killip of Galesburg.  She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Sherry Thompson of Galesburg.  She is preceded in death by a son, Joe Thompson; 2 daughters, Dessa Shear, and Jean Hilligoss; 5 brothers; and a great granddaughter. Myrtle was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother and  great grandmother to her large family. Myrtle graduated from Abingdon High School and Western Illinois Teachers College.  She had a teaching career spanning over 50 years.  She started teaching at 18 in country schools.  She first taught at Cross Lane School near Abingdon, then Road School and Robin School both near Wataga.  In her later years she taught at Wataga Grade School.  At the end of her career she was a substitute teacher in most elementary schools in Galesburg.  Aside from her many years teaching she also worked for over 30 years at the family grocery store in Wataga.  Myrtle also taught Sunday school at Wataga Congregational Church for many years and was in charge of Knox College Kindergarten for several years. Myrtle’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m.  Saturday at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Visitation will be one hour prior the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Wataga Cemetery, Wataga.  Memorials may be made to Wataga Congregational Church, Crystal Pines Health Care Center or Passages Hospice.