BEVERLEY ALBERTA (ASHTON) THOMPSON

December 28, 2023

Beverley Alberta (Ashton) Thompson of Lucknow died peacefully, with family by her side, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Kincardine, Dec. 28, 2023, at the age of 86. Beloved wife of Donald Thompson who predeceased her in December of 2009. Bev was born Aug. 16, 1937, in Howick Township, daughter of the late Janet (Ruttan) and Lloyd Ashton. Dear mother of her three daughters, Susan Thompson of Breslau, Nancy and Brian Simpson of Komoka, and Donalda and Darrol Boyd of Lucknow. Sadly missed by her grandchildren, Caitlin Simpson (Josh Biggs) of Kitchener, Dylan Simpson (Carley Brown) of Princeton, Courtney Balfour (Jordan) of London, and Brady Boyd of Lucknow. Loving great-grandma of Hudson, Oliver and Owen Biggs, and Theodore Balfour. Survived by her brother, Fraser Ashton and his wife, Catherine of Gatineau; sisters-in-law, Patricia Hunter and husband, Murray of Wingham, and Joanne McFarlane of Brampton, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her mother- and father-in-law, Margaret and Campbell Thompson; and stepmother, Eileen (Lavis) Ashton. Bev and her family lived her first 10 years in Toronto. In 1947, the Ashton family moved to Lucknow. By this time, Beverley had a brother, Fraser. As a salesman travelling through the Lucknow area, Lloyd, Bev’s father, saw the need for a children’s wear store and made the decision to open one. As it was a fledgling business, the family lived in the back of the store for the first few months. Two moves later, the Ashtons were living in the house at the east end of Rose Street. After a couple of years renting, they purchased the home and settled in. It was on Rose Street that Bev spent time with Donald Thompson, her future husband. The two young teenagers, one 14 and the other 16, struck up a romance that lasted through high school and Bev going to Teacher’s College in Stratford. Following Teacher’s College, Bev taught in Hanover for a year before returning to Lucknow in 1958 to teach in the Lucknow Public School. Don and Bev were married in 1959. Bev continued her teaching career in Lucknow where Donald worked with his parents at The Lucknow Sentinel. In the early 1960s, Bev took some time off from teaching to raise her young family. In 1964, after the death of her father-in-law, Campbell Thompson, Bev entered the newspaper business with Don. They worked together as a newspaper couple until 1977 when the paper was sold to the Goderich Signal Star. Another career shift saw Bev and Don continuing with the printing and stationery business. They were also involved in regional lotto ticket sales in conjunction with the new Ontario Lottery Corporation. Still the constant, adventuresome business partners, Bev and Don, began selling investments. They continued in this line of work until their retirement in 1991. In all, they spent almost 30 years working together. With their retirement, they were no longer a fixture on Lucknow’s main street, but they continued to support the town and local businesses, a habit Bev continued after the death of Donald in 2009. Bev joined the Lucknow Guides as a nine-year-old, and was a member of Girl Guides of Canada for more than 65 years. For her dedication, she was awarded an honorary life membership. While her years of work with Girl Guides are too numerous to detail, one notable project in which she was instrumental, was the creation of a volunteer-led Girl Guide merchandise store in Hanover. This store made it possible for local members to shop in person. The store also served as a large mail order business. The same group of Guiders was later responsible for opening a similar store in Waterloo. The Lucknow United Church was also an important part of Bev’s life. She was active in the United Church Women (UCW) and took on leadership positions. Although not a quilter or sewer, Bev spent many hours supporting the Nimble Fingers group by always being ready and willing to assist where needed. In her retirement years, Bev maintained a full daily schedule, keeping her busy and occupied. She was always on the move. The onset of dementia curtailed her active lifestyle. However, despite her limitations, she continued to enjoy life. She took great joy in family gatherings and she was always ready for any outing and the opportunity for social interactions. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow, where the funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Interment, Greenhill Cemetery, Lucknow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Lucknow United Church or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation, would be appreciated by the family. Memorial and condolences on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.