Loretta Mae Thompson of Echo passed away on April 13, 2026 in Hermiston at the age of 70 with her family by her side.
She was born on Sept. 5, 1955 in Hermiston to William and Dorothy Schultze.
Loretta was raised and attended school in Echo, meeting her future husband, Gary Thompson, during her senior year. She graduated from Echo High School in the class of 1974 and they were married a week later.
Loretta worked various jobs over the years, serving at Wheatland Dairy, Mickey’s Cafe and in the laundry room at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Loretta’s calling was as a mom and a homemaker, staying at home caring for her family.
She loved to crochet and if you knew her, odds are she crocheted you or your kids something. Loretta made dozens of baby blankets for anyone she knew. If you got married she would crochet you a blanket using your wedding colors. For several years her nieces and nephews received homemade crocheted, knitted or cross stitched Christmas presents.
Loretta loved being a grandma, spoiling her grandkids rotten and so proud of all their achievements and endeavors. She loved playing rummy and nine times out of ten, she’d beat you. Nobody usually beat Grandma.
Loretta was opinionated, stubborn, ornery and a fighter right to the end.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gary Thompson; daughter, Lacey Wallis (Tory); sister, Diane Wilson; granddaughters, Lily Wallis and Emma Simpson; grandson, USMC PFC Ryder Simpson; sisters-in-law, Cherie and Deana; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Loretta was preceded in death by her son, Chester Thompson; a sister, Marge Paxton; and her parents.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
A reception will follow at the Echo Ridge Winery. All are welcome to attend both events.
Please share memories of Loretta with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
