Judith Rose Thompson

Judy Thompson passed away in Spokane, WA on February 16, 2022 after a long fight with several medical issues. She was born in Greeley, CO to James and Denzil Solan on May 24, 1940, making her a 5th generation native to CO.

She loved dancing and started her teaching career as a dance instructor, then became a co-owner/director of the family business, Kiddie Kampus, as well as a preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten teacher for over 30 years. She touched many lives while teaching and was especially proud of the school being members of the USO and bringing joy to many local service members and veterans. The children also performed for senior citizen centers, teaching the children the value of our treasured elderly being in their lives.

Upon the sale of the school in 1991, she went to live in the mountains of Black Hawk, CO and worked as a greeter/coat check lady at the CO Central Station Casino. Being that she was a social butterfly, she loved this job until a serious health issue caused her to leave her casino family.

Upon her recovery a year later, Judy and her husband Jack, went on to manage the local KOA Campground, and again, she was in her element of being delightfully social, while making many new friends.

She relocated to the Spokane area in 2018.

Being a warrior for animal rights, she rescued many animals and helped many rescues. The Rainbow Bridge’s strength must have been tested due to the number of animals that greeted her in Heaven upon her arrival.

Judy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Joel Cannon, her nephew, Chris Solan, and her beloved dog Oreo. Her husband, Jack Thompson, preceded her in death.

Judy will have a celebration of life service in the Spokane area in March, and one in Colorado in late April.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her favorite animal rescues: Danzig’s Rooster Sanctuary (rescues cock fighting roosters) or The Grey Muzzle (rescues and homes elderly pets).