Jean Louise Thompson

July 8, 1942 – September 26, 2024

Jean Louise Thompson, age 82 years young, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton.

Her beautiful voice first rang out in Logansport on July 8, 1942, when her parents, the late Gerald and May (Otto) Reutebuch, welcomed her into their home. Among her blessings, God gave her a hopeful heart, steadfast spirit, and strong resolve that helped her survive childhood polio and saw her blossom into a talented young musician, both vocally and on any instrument she set her mind to play. She met her future husband, James “Jim” Everett Thompson at Indiana Academy. After graduation, she attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., studying Music Theory and Education. She and Jim were married on August 27, 1961, and they shared 63 years of marriage before God laid her to rest.

During her lifetime, Jean composed a symphonic musical score; sang, yodeled, and performed as often as she could, spreading her love of music to everyone within earshot. She was a member of the Kinsmen Quartet which united her love of Christ and family with her musical abilities as they traveled throughout the United States proclaiming God’s love through their songs. She worked at the Cicero Seventh-Day Adventist Elementary for many years as a music and substitute teacher while co-owning J & J Construction with her husband. She was a member of the Cicero Seventh-Day Adventist Church and led services as a Sabbath School Teacher, was the Assistant Director of the Cicero district Pathfinder Youth group, and later an Area Coordinator for the Indiana Conference of SDA. After retirement, she worked for Timber Ridge Camp in Spencer, Ind., running the Nature Center alongside her husband and earning the affectionate nickname “Mother Nature.” Nothing pleased her more than caregiving to all in need, and as a faithful believer in God, she never missed an opportunity to witness to all who would listen.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Everett Thompson of Cicero; son, Jim (Lori) Thompson, Jr. of Kirklin, Ind.; daughter, Sherri (William) Young of Glenwood, Ark.; adopted daughter, Sonja (Vincent) Lewis of Lawton, Okla.; granddaughter, Cindi (Douglas) McCaslin of Arcadia; granddaughter, Sandi (Davon) Hardy of Anderson, Ind.; grandson, Bernie (Alicia) Brandt of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandson, Bradley Thompson of Arizona; grandson, Jordan Wells of Indiana; grandson, Jacob Young of Glenwood, Ark.; brother, Gerald (Betty) Reutebuch of Arcadia; brother, Timothy (Joyce) Reutebuch of Cope, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews. God blessed her with great-grandchildren: Sylvanna Thompson, Gigi Thompson, Isaiah Hardy, Gage McCaslin, Mason McCaslin, Sophia McCaslin, Bradley Thompson, Jr., and Ezra Brandt.

She is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Reutebuch; mother, May (Otto) Reutebuch; sister, Beverly (Reutebuch) Brockway; and great-grandson, James Nicholas Andrew Thompson Harrison.

Although life was not always perfect for Jean, with many hardships, failures, and disappointments sent her way, she always modeled what loving her family and trusting in the Lord meant. We will mourn the absence of her beautiful voice and long for just one more deep conversation and tight hug. But we will also smile when our heart reminds us of the advice she would give in times like these: “Keep a song in your heart and trust that God will see you through.” And He will.

Visitation and funeral services were held Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Cicero Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 24445 State Road 19, Cicero, with Charlie Thompson officiating. Directly following, burial took place at Crown Hill Cemetery, 7798 E. 256th St., Arcadia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cicero Seventh Day Adventist Church, where proceeds will be used for the Indiana Academy music department, student tuition sponsorship, or any other identified needs.

Online condolences can be given at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.