Juanita Thompson

Our precious Mama and Nana fell asleep in Jesus arms on Thursday, December 16, 2021. Juanita Ann Ehrlich Thompson was born on Tuesday, June 13, 1933, in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Bill and Carrie Ehrlich. She was loved beyond measure by all who knew her, if even briefly. She exuded kindness, concern for others, and devotion to her family throughout her life. Even in the worst of her dementia, she would ask if there was anything she could do for you. Juanita spent her early years as a farm girl in Shattuck, helping with the animals, the farming, and milking. When she lost her mother at age 14, she went to join her older sister at school in Keene, Texas. It was there, as a teenager, that she met the love of her life, Kenneth Thompson. They were married Christmas Day of 1952 and enjoyed almost 65 happy years until his death in 2017.

Juanita received her nursing degree at TCU and worked as a nurse for several years until the couple moved to Albuquerque in 1958 and went into business. She and Kenneth built Kenneth P. Thompson Co. into a successful commercial masonry company. But her greatest joy was her family. She raised a daughter, Renee and was bless with two grandchildren that were the pride of her heart. She was truly the favorite in our family! Nita was the sweetest mother, grandmother, the most loving and devoted wife, the kindest daughter, sister, and friend.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Renee Sensabaugh (husband, Lane); grandson, Nicholas Masker and his children, Brodie and Scarlett; granddaughter, Ondra Masker; brother-in-love, Richard Thompson; and other family and friends who will miss her deeply.

Special thanks to Naomi Montoya, our faithful and tireless caretaker and her son, Javaun who made it possible for her to spend every single night with Mama for years by simply being such a great, responsible kid. Also thank you to so many others who helped care for her 24 hours a day. You know who you are! Thank you to Hospice of New Mexico for their faithful, constant availability during our last couple of weeks.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH- University. Then we will take Mama and lay her to rest between her beloved husband, Kenneth and her baby boy, Little Paul in Keene, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a gift in her name to the Alma Saylor Sandefur Scholarship at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, or any charity of your choice. As she lived to serve others, she would be most happy for others to be blessed by her death.