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Wanda Rose (Michael) Thompson
Jun 1, 1927 - Mar 1, 2015
Posted by Martha Reddout

© Marietta Monitor
6 Mar 2018,  Page 4

Born June 1, 1927 in Love County to Vivian (Vaughan) and Henry Michael, Rose was the oldest of five siblings. After graduating in 1945 from Marietta High School, she married William Henry “Bill” Thompson on March 8, 1946 in Gainesville, Texas when he was home on Navy leave. From that marriage she gave birth to their only child and pride and joy Robert Henry “Mick.” She delighted in Mick’s accomplishments and was his biggest supporter as he dedicated his life to public service – currently serving as the Oklahoma Bank Commissioner.

Once Bill came home from the war, they bought a ranch and moved to Panama. Rose attended beauty school and owned and operated her own beauty shop for three decades. Always active in the community, she volunteered in the Poteau hospital and after retirement in the Ardmore hospital – even serving as volunteer auxiliary president. She held memberships in The National Association of Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary, The Love County Friends of the Library, and was a lifetime member of The National Appaloosa Association.

She co-founded the Love County Military Museum, was co-leader of Le Flore County Youth Fashion Show, and member of the Carl Albert Junior College Auxiliary. She was an active member and leader of the First United Methodist Church in Panama and Marietta, organizing garage sales, bake sales, installation of stained glass windows and spearheaded many other church projects. Rose readily admitted that the best time of her life was being with her grandsons, Scott and Michael. She proudly contended that she never missed one of their football games or wrestling matches. The boys knew she was there as evidenced by her loud cheering from the stands: “Go, Scott!” “Get ‘em, Michael!”

As consummate horsemen, Rose and Bill and their grandsons traveled and competed in horse shows around the country. She won World Champion Appaloosa Women’s Costume in 1983, ’84 and ’87, wearing full Native American regalia. They participated in many parades and events wearing elaborate costumes made with genuine English leather and thousands of tiny seed beads, hand sewn one-by-one by Rose into intricate patterns. Her costumes are on display at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Rose was also well-known around Oklahoma for signing The Lord’s Prayer wearing her prizewinning Native American costumes. In 1994 when they retired, Bill and Rose returned to Marietta where they raised miniature horses. Rose loved shopping for antiques and crocheting blankets for all occasions. After Bill’s death in 2012, Rose moved to Edmond so she could be closer to her family. Last year Rose was honored by The Oklahoma City Thunder “Wish of a Lifetime.” Driven in a limousine to the Thunder basketball game, she shook hands and took photos with players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and enjoyed every minute of the game.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Toni (Floyd) Thompson.

Survivors include her son, Mick Thompson and wife Peggy of Edmond; two grandsons, Scott Thompson and wife Heather and Michael Thompson and wife Stephanie; great-granddaughter, Micah Thompson; two great-grandsons, Brennan and Garrett Thompson; step-granddaughter, Sarah Sharpe; two sisters, Lavonne Vinson and Joyce Mills; two brothers, Jim Michael and wife Freda and Dick Michael and wife Janet; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Services will be held Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. in the Marietta First United Methodist Church with Reverend David Shahan and Reverend Tony Caro officiating.

Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta.

Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Marietta Building Fund, 603 West Main Street, Marietta, OK 73448.

Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com