Barbara Jean (Kaatz) Thompson | obituaries

Barbara Jean (Kaatz) Thompson, age 75, of Goldendale passed away October 23, 2022, at OSHU in Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, and one adopted son, Brian Thompson.

Barbara Jean was born on July 23, 1947, to Elroy and Alice (Harris) Kaatz in Laona, Wisconsin. The family lived in Laona until the summer of 1953, when they packed up their blue Chevy and drove across country to Goldendale, where they lived for several months before moving to Klickitat, Washington. There Barb attended grade school and high school.

She met Keith and his son, Brian Thompson, while working in Klickitat and soon became a part of their family. Keith and Barb were married June 27, 1971, and lived in Goldendale from then on. They were married 51 years.

Barb and Keith had big hearts for needy kids. They fostered several over the years.

Barb’s hobbies and interests included sewing, knitting, crocheting, all of which greatly benefitted her family and friends. Also, she loved to read and play Canasta.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Thompson; her son, Troy Thompson; and her sisters, Patricia (Kaatz) Wamsley of Alaska and Nancy (Kaatz) Frodge of Kentucky; sister-in-law Nancy (Thompson) Brown of Vancouver, Washington; her beloved grandchildren, Amanda, Aaron, Maclay, Brooke; and her great grandson, Dakota.

Memorial services will be held at the New Life Assembly of God Church on November 11 at 11 am

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