Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Janice Thompson
Janice Ardele (Highley) Thompson, 92, from Glenfield, North Dakota, passed away on May 12, 2021, in Mandan, ND. She was a devoted member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and served faithfully with the Alter Society.
Janice was born on August 3, 1928, in Melville, ND to Clara (Zink) and Emmette Highley. She attended grade school in Melville and graduated from Carrington High School in 1946. She attended three years at Jamestown College and graduated from Valley City State. Janice taught in Foster County schools for thirty-three years including combined rural classrooms, primary and upper grades as well as high school. Her first teaching contract was for $210 per month which included doing her own janitorial work!
In 1952, she married Melvin Thompson and moved to the Thompson farm near McHenry, ND. They divorced in 1980. Janice was a very active participant in the farming responsibilities. She was capable of running all farm equipment and helped seed, hay, summer fallow and harvest. Janice especially enjoyed the animals and took great care in raising sheep, turkeys, chickens, cattle, and especially…. her beloved cats! In addition, there was always a pony there for the many nieces and nephews to fight over. In the farmhouse, plenty of toys and books kept kids busy while Janice prepared wonderful meals in minutes. Homemade pickles, jams, and bread, along with garden vegetables, were always on the table only to be followed by her scratch cakes and desserts which we all savored.
Church, community, and friends were very important to Janice and she enjoyed sharing thousands of photos that she took at local weddings, showers, ballgames, etc. Her creative gift-giving, crafting, letter-writing, and kindness will be greatly missed.
Janice was so proud of the many accomplishments of her neighborhood farm kids – Thompsons, Frappiers, Smiths, and Pounds. Even after moving to Glenfield in 1980, she always kept in close contact with her farm neighbors while enjoying her wonderful new neighbors in Glenfield.
Janice will be greatly missed and remembered by her niece, Monica (David) Hartsoch, grandson Klint (Tina) Hartsoch and their children, Skylar (Adam) Reiff and Karter Hartsoch, along with her brother Pete’s children: Keith Highley, Tom Highley, Kathy (Jim) Sleeper and numerous Thompson nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Pete Highley, sisters -Marion Krakowski and Rena Everly, nephews – Ernest Highley and Larry Highley, and great-grandson, Tanner.
A Visitation will be Thursday, May 27, 2021 from Noon – 5:00PM with family present from 4:00PM – 5:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 at 10:30AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, McHenry, ND.
Her Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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Janice was a wonderful and kind teacher of mine. She was a neighbor my growing up years. She was also a great friend of my Mom.
Great teacher and lady. Remember her taking pictures also. Condolences.
Janice was a very special and generous neighbor of ours while growing up. A memory I have of her was one time Janice and Melvin went on a trip. It was my job to take care of the chickens by feeding them and gathering the eggs. It was a easy ride, only being a 1/2 mile away, on my bike. When they returned home Janice asked me what I wanted for payment. I told her I would like a hen with baby chicks. A few days later Janice shows up with a cardboard box lined with straw and a mother hen laying on a dozen eggs. That is how I got into the chicken business at the young age of 10.
Sympathy and prayers to the family. Mrs. Thompson was a caring , concerned and dedicated teacher. She was patient with student librarians, and with us Spanish students. Good memories. Vaya con Dios Janice.
I met Janice through Betty Pound. Admired her so very much. Got one of her cats. She called him Willy Won a. Changed his name to Willy Nelson I do miss her but I’m sure she and Betty are having a good time.
Janice was one of my favorite teachers in Grace City. Such a great lady.
Just learned today of Janice passing away. I just now watched the service on-line. I agree with all the compliments given Janice that the Priest shared.
Our short time of living close to Janice at the McHenry farm was pleasant & memorable because of Janice. She was a wonderful neighbor, friend & consultant. I have so many fond memories of Janice!
Rest In Peace, Evelyn Elliott