Florence Thompson

Florence Lee Thompson of Auburn, WA passed away on September 25th, 2025 in Auburn, WA after a long illness at the age of 90. Sadly, her passing occurred only two days before her 91st birthday. Florence was born in Wallace, Idaho on September 27th, 1934. She is survived by sons Eugene and Dan; daughter, Teresa; grandchildren Christopher, Heather, Katie, Megan and Sofia; a great-grandchild, Kaya; and great-great grandsons Bubby and Orion.

Florence’s early years were marked by a strong work ethic and adaptability. After working various jobs in her youth, including “Wiener Peeler” at the Seattle Public Market, agricultural picker in the old Kent Valley, cannery worker, McDonald’s Hamburgers employee in Renton, WA, and postal worker in Mesa, AZ, Florence found her calling at Farmers Insurance Company where she built a successful 20-year career. She was a multi-talented, highly capable lady who fit in anywhere and enjoyed working with others.

Florence was known for her generosity and sense of humor, qualities that endeared her to family and friends alike. She was an extremely “crafty” person who delighted in painting, knick-knack creations, garment sewing, tole painting and layered paper art. Her tole paintings and layered paper art adorned the homes of friends and family, each piece reflecting her creativity and attention to detail. Florence and her husband Gary, also deceased, were accomplished square dancers and members of the elite “Saddle-ites” square dance club. For 25 years, Florence and Gary embraced the snowbird lifestyle, living in Mesa, Arizona during fall and winter while returning home to Maple Valley in the spring and summer months.

Florence was a wonderful wife and mother. Her life was full of enjoyment and was well lived. She was married to Gary for 68 years, beginning as a teenager. Florence and Gary met as students at Renton High School. Florence left high school early to marry Gary in 1952 and follow him as an Air Force wife, later completing high school and earning her diploma at Gary’s first duty station.

Together, Florence and Gary made numerous trips throughout Europe, Okinawa-Japan, Texas, and Colorado during son Eugene’s long military career. Additionally, they toured the USA by 5th wheel trailer home for two years with their good friends Bob and Rhoene Ledgerwood, creating lasting memories along the way.

After funeral services at Edline Yahn Funeral Home in Covington, WA on October 3rd, 2025, Florence will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, co-located with her husband Gary, who passed away in 2020.