Sandra (Sanny) Thompson
Sandra (Sanny) Thompson passed away on November 24, 2021, at Iowa River Hospice with her eldest son and dear friend at her side. She was a resident of The Willows of Marshalltown and lived several years at The Embers but spent most of her adult life with her husband, Don as one of the original homeowners on Orchard Drive in Marshalltown.
Sanny was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on July 15, 1932, to George and Maxine (Armstrong) Dennis. She attended Cottey College for two years and graduated from The University of Iowa with a BA degree in journalism in 1954. Sanny was a member of Chi Omega sorority and Theta Sigma Phi, a national honor society for women in communications. Following college, Sanny was employed by Meredith Publishing Company as an advertising copywriter for Better Homes & Gardens. She also worked as a paraprofessional in the English department at Marshalltown High School, a position she enjoyed thoroughly while her three children attended high school.
On June 26, 1955, Sanny married Don Thompson and they resided in Marshalltown all their married life. The couple enjoyed being involved in the community which was an ideal place to raise their family.
Throughout her adult years, Mrs. Thompson was involved in United Way, The University of Iowa Women’s Health Initiative, Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, the LT chapter of P.E.O., Amity, Hawthorne Club, Assistance League and the First Congregational Church. She was a political activist and a committed volunteer for local, state and national campaigns and served on the Iowa Campaign Finance Disclosure Commission.
Sanny was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed spending time with close friends in several bridge clubs over the years. She was extremely proud to be a longstanding member of the “Wednesday Bridge Club” for over 50 years in Marshalltown and valued her lasting friendships that came from their many hours around the card table.
Sanny is survived by her three children: Greg, of Iowa City, IA, Lisa (Dean Bentley), of Tiburon, CA and Brad (Amanda), of Amelia Island, Florida and five grandchildren: Davis Bentley, Ander (Kirsten) Thompson, Margaux Thompson (Daryel Eduardo Llerena Santos), Alec Thompson and Taylor Bentley.
Memorials may be sent to the First Congregational Church, Iowa River Hospice or the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA. Sanny’s family is planning a memorial service for spring or summer of 2022 during Sanny’s favorite time of year.
Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.