Melinda Michele Thompson-Durocher, 68

Melinda Michele Thompson-Durocher passed away peacefully May 20, 2012. Michele was born Jan. 7, 1944, in Texas.

She was raised in Los Angeles, Calif., where she also met her husband Jack Thompson. After they were married they moved to Salt Lake City, then to Twin Falls, to Boise and finally settled in Coeur d’Alene in 1979 with their eight children, later moving to Rathdrum where she spent her final years.

Michele was very athletic in her school years and was a great swimmer. She was active in her church teaching children, being a church organist and working for the phone company while being a young mother. She loved finding a great recipe, playing the piano and having her family around her, but the pride of her life were her eight children, 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Michele is preceded in death by her parents, Laraine Day Grilikhes and Leo Durocher; and father of her children, Jack Thompson.

She is survived by her children, Tara Richter, Guy and Joni Thompson, Sam Porath, Tad and Cindy Thompson, Jack and Tammy Thompson, Nick Thompson, Michael and Tracey Thompson, and Skyler and Melissa Thompson; her sisters, Dana Grilikhes and Gigi Grilikhes; and her brother, Chris Durocher.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please sign Michele’s online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.