Mrs. Martha Ellen Thompson
Wallowa, Oregon
Mrs. Martha Ellen Thompson who homesteaded east of Wallowa in1902. The homestead now being a part of the Kitty Minor ranch, passed away at her home in Wallowa last Friday, Dec. 27, at the age of 76 years, seven months and one day. Mrs. Thompson had suffered a stroke of paralysis Dec. 15, from which she never rallied.
Mrs. Thompson was born Martha Ellen Gastin, May 26, 1864, near Waterloo, Iowa, but spent most of her childhood in Missouri and Kansas. She was married to Henry Thompson on February 13, 1882, and to this union nine children were born, five of whom died in infancy and childhood. Mrs. Thompson was widowed in1900. Mr. Thompson passing away in Kansas, and she came to Oregon in 1902, taking up homestead east of Wallowa, when her son, J.C. (Pat) enlisted in the Navy in 1917, she returned to Kansas, residing there and in Missouri until 1934 when she returned to Wallowa and had resided here since.
Four children survive her. Joe L., John C. and Nina of Wallowa and Mrs. Edna Feagins of Ft. Scott, Kansas. She is also survived by two brothers, T.M. Gastin of Wallowa and A.M. Gastin of California and 15 Grand children and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held from the Wallowa Church of Christ Sunday Afternoon at 3:30 with Rev. Joe Standidge of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints, of which Mrs. Thompson was a member, in charge. Music was by a trio composed of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Henry and Mrs. Marjorie Jensch, who sang “Rock of Ages” and “Abide with Me.” Pall Bearers were all legionnaires and were Sam Jaensch, who sang “Rock of Ages” and Abide with Me.” Pall Bearers were all legionnaires and were Sam Berry, W.F. Goebel, Oscar Lampkins, P.L. Bales. E.V. Lewis and W.O. Brines. Burial was in the Wallowa Cemetery by the side of her father and mother, William Penn Gastin and Mary Barr Gastin.
Wallowa Sun
Contributed by: Orvetta Harmon