Elizabeth A. Thompson

Elizabeth (Betty) A. (Kershaw) Thompson – Monday, June 6, 2022, age 92. Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband John C. (Jack) Thompson and her parents Margaret and Arthur Kershaw. She leaves her two children, Laurel (Kurt) Sanger and John (Becky) Thompson. She was the proud grandmother to Elizabeth (William) Brown, Erin (Tyler) Skinner, Ellyn (David) Wolff and Navy ROTC midshipman Emma Thompson and four beloved great-grandchildren, John, Reed and Laurel Brown, Madison Skinner (baby Wolff is still on the way).

Elizabeth graduated from Chebanse High School in 1948 and from Illinois State University in 1955 where she was named one of sixteen “Outstanding Seniors”. She and Jack were married two weeks later and lived in Norfolk, VA while Jack finished out his enlistment in the navy. They returned to the family farm in Illinois and Elizabeth began teaching English, World History and was Assistant Librarian at Central High School. She left teaching for a period while they raised their family but returned to teaching in 1969 as an English teacher and librarian at Nash Middle School. She also returned to ISU and earned a master’s degree in Educational Materials.

She served as the first woman ever elected to the Central Community Unit District 4 School Board and was re-elected in 1981. She also served as a substitute teacher and taught English at Manteno H.S. and KCC. In 1986 she was employed as a media specialist in the Central district and led the renovation of the libraries at Ashkum, Chebanse and Clifton. She retired in 1991 and enjoyed traveling to Denmark, Great Britain, Arizona, Alabama, Florida and New York. She also accompanied her children on trips to Montana and Washington State. In 2005 she moved to Ashkum and joined the Methodist church where she was welcomed by several new friends. She volunteered at the Danforth/Gilman Public Library. In 2005, upon Jack’s death, she was appointed to replace him on the Iroquois County Board of Appeals. Her passion was poetry, and she had several poems published. Over the years several of her poems placed at the Iroquois County poetry contest. In later years she served as a judge for the contest.

At Elizabeth’s request no services will be held. The immediate family will gather to celebrate her life. Memorial donations can be made to the Ashkum United Methodist Church (208 N 3rd Street, Ashkum, IL 60911) or New Beginnings for Cats Shelter (7701 E 3500N Road, Bourbonnais, IL 60914).