Merna Jean (Hoard) Thompson

     Merna Jean Thompson, age 82, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Edgewood Church of God, Ithaca, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 14, 2023, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI.

     Merna was born in Hamilton Township, Michigan, on October 30, 1940, the daughter Claude and Louisa (Moore) Hoard.  Merna married Richard L. Thompson on April 23, 1960, at the Edgewood Church of God in Ithaca.  Richard passed away on September 11, 2018.

     Merna loved acting in Gratiot County Players, singing in a trio and with the Sweet Adeline's.  She was a member of the Red Hat Society.  She directed choir and taught Sunday School at Edgewood Church of God.  Merna enjoyed bowling and bowled on a league.  She loved putting puzzles together, playing board games, cards, and teaching piano. Merna also took great joy in a good meal.  She was always very social and loved spending time with her family and friends. 

     She is survived by her daughters: Patty and Gary Armstrong of Orlando, FL; Wendy and Brian Brecht of Naples, FL; Debbie and Doug Thompson of Lansing, MI; grandchildren: Logan Armstrong, Brycen Rivera, Ben (Stacy) Brecht, Kyle (Samantha) Brecht, Connor Thompson, and Nick Thompson; great-grandchildren: Lucy Brecht, Abby Brecht, Finlay Brecht, and Walker Brecht; brother Russell and Carol Hoard of Alma, MI; many nieces and nephews.  Merna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brothers: Duane Hoard, Cardwell Hoard, Fred Hoard, and Marvin Hoard.

     Memorials may be made to Edgewood Church of God or Laurels of Carson City. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.