Mary J. Thompson March 8, 1939 - January 8, 2026

Mary J Thompson, 86, of Elk Ridge, Utah, passed away quietly at her home the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, after living a full and faithful life. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 8, 1939, to Horace Wendell Jacob and Leah Broadbent Jacob.

Following graduation from high school, Mary attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1961. Thirteen years later she obtained a Master’s Degree from Washington State University. While teaching at BYU, she received her PhD degree from that institution.

On September 1, 1961, she married John H. Thompson in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together they have four children: Bryan, Karyn, Diana, and Christopher (Chris).

As her children got older, Mary returned to BYU – this time as faculty, where she taught clothing/ textiles and family science from 1974 – 2004. She organized many trips for all of the fashion design students, to New York City and Dallas. She also organized similar trips to Europe.  In addition, she served on the Board of Directors for the Soap & Detergent Association of America. She was also affiliated with several other Professional Associations.

Mary was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully, energetically and lovingly in whatever calling she received. For example, she served many years in the Primary and was Relief Society President in three different wards. She was an excellent ministering sister and especially loved her time as an ordinance worker in the Provo, Utah Temple. She also spent close to two years with John teaching in China. In addition they spent 18 months in the Indonesia, Jakarta Mission. She was also privileged to travel to many countries where she developed a love for other cultures and peoples.

She enjoyed quilting and weaving. She was always good at working with her hands in many creative endeavors. She also liked to garden and cared about her stewardship of the earth. Mary was a lifetime learner, always inquisitive as to what she could learn and how that could apply to helping others. She was always busy, a hard worker – never idle. However, probably her greatest enjoyment came from loving and serving her family (especially grandchildren) and others.

Mary is survived by her eternal sweetheart, John Thompson; and by her children: Bryan (Ewan) Thompson, Karyn (Bob) Mansell, Diana (Richard) Nelson, and Chris (Jannie) Thompson. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Naomi Gardner and Ruth (Bob) Seegmiller. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, H. Wendell Jacob. Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, located at 450 Elk Ridge Drive, Elk Ridge, Utah. Visitations will be held Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah; as well as on Thursday morning at the church in Elk Ridge from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Salem City Cemetery, 130 East 965 South, Salem, Utah.