Loretta Mae (Schultze) Thompson

Loretta Mae Thompson of Echo, Oregon, was born on September 5, 1955 in Hermiston, Oregon to parents, William and Dorothy Schultze. She passed away on April 13, 2026 in Hermiston, Oregon with her family by her side at the age of 70 years. Loretta was raised and attended school in Echo, Oregon, meeting her future husband, Gary Thompson during her senior year. She graduated from Echo High School in the class of 1974 and they were married a week later.

 Loretta worked various jobs over the years, serving at Wheatland Dairy, Mickey’s Café and in the laundry room at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Loretta’s calling was as a mom and a homemaker staying at home caring for her family. 

She loved to crochet and if you knew her, odds are she crocheted you or your kids something. Loretta made dozens of baby blankets for anyone she knew. If you got married she would crochet you a blanket using your wedding colors. For several years her nieces and nephews received homemade crocheted, knitted or cross stitched Christmas presents. 

Loretta loved being a grandma, spoiling her grandkids rotten and was so proud of all their achievements and endeavors. She loved playing rummy and nine times out of ten, she’d beat you. Nobody usually beat Grandma. 

Loretta was opinionated, stubborn, ornery and a fighter right to the end.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years: Gary Thompson, daughter: Lacey Wallis (Tory); sister: Diane Wilson; granddaughters: Lily Wallis and Emma Simpson; grandson: USMC PFC Ryder Simpson; sister-in-laws: Cherie and Deana; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Loretta was preceded in death by her son: Chester Thompson, a sister: Marge Paxton and her parents.     

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon.

A reception will follow at the Echo Ridge Winery in Echo, Oregon. All are welcome to attend both events.

Please share memories of Loretta with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary fo Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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