Herman Ray Thompson, 86, of Dorena, Ore., passed away on July 5, 2021. He was born on Dec. 12, 1934 in Santo, Texas, to parents Jesse J. and Dollie (Marsh) Thompson. Ray’s family left Texas in 1952, moving to Santa Maria, Calif., where he graduated from high school and met the love of his life, Lonteen Woody. He and Lonteen were married for 66 years. Ray made a career as an instrument technician in the electrical industry for Southern California Edison. He retired in 1991, moving to Cottage Grove. Ray was an avid Keno player who enjoyed small town life. Ray is survived by his wife, Lonteen Thompson, Dorena, Ore.; three children, Sheri of Kernville, Calif.; Terry of Cottage Grove; Kathy Thompson, Escondido, Calif.; five grandchildren, Tomi, Erin, Kyle, Sarah and Robin; and two great-grandchildren, Kellan and Miles. Ray was preceded in death by son, David, in 2007. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.
