Jane Locke Thompson, 93, of Flandreau, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Riverview Manor in Flandreau, SD. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Flandreau United Methodist Church; visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the memorial service which will also take place at the church.

Jane Locke Thompson was born on September 4, 1930 in Hammond, Indiana to Flandreau natives Giles and Mildred Gray Locke. She was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, graduating from Rayen High School in 1948. Though raised in Ohio, Jane's heart belonged to Flandreau, South Dakota from an early age. Numerous relatives resided in Flandreau, which led to many wonderful summer vacation memories during her youth. She even lived with relatives during the summers when she was a lifeguard on the Big Sioux River in the Flandreau City Park.

It was in Flandreau that Jane met the love of her life, Jim Thompson. Jane attended the University of South Dakota, where Jim was also a student. Jim and Jane were married on August 14, 1951, three years after their long-distance high school romance began.

In 1954, after Jim returned from his service in the Korean war, Jane was his faithful companion through all the adventures that were to come for the next 72 years. Together they raised five children, (Bob, Liza, Kim, Judy and Kathy.) Though raised in Columbia, all five kids' hearts also belonged to Flandreau.  Summer memories of cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, in town and on the farms, staying in the log cabin in the park, Blum's fireworks and the Dawn Dance, carp fishing at the dam, and other wondrous memories from a time gone by, still live on in their hearts.

While living in Columbia, MO, Jane taught junior high Math at West Jr. High for 33 years, retiring in 1995. She was a beloved teacher who tirelessly advocated for and encouraged all of her students, especially those who faced extra challenges.

Following retirement, Jim and Jane moved back to Flandreau in 2000. They lived in the log cabin in the park for some time and then moved to 311 Pipestone Avenue, kitty corner to the house in which Jim was raised. A favorite pastime was golfing at the Flandreau Country Club. Jane also greatly enjoyed her card playing friends, playing SKIP-Bo, times spent with Chapter JJ PEO sisters, reading and volunteering. She was a wonderful mom, wife, grandma, aunt, teacher and friend.

After a very brief stay at Edgewood Assisted Living, Jane's health began declining rapidly. She was moved to Riverview Manor in early September and died peacefully in the evening of September 23, 2023, surrounded by love, with her beloved husband holding her hand.

Jane is survived by her husband, Jim and their five children, Bob (Terri) Thompson, Liza Thompson, Kim Thompson Berry, Judy Thompson-Reitz, and Kathy Thompson. Seven grandchildren: Giles and Jaramie Tyler, Hannah and Clara Reitz, Jenni and Jessie Thompson, and Caitlin Pfleiger. Four great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Dapfney, Andrew, and Oliver. Jane is also survived by her sister Helen Layden, and many, many beloved Thompson and Locke nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Giles and Mildred Locke, brother Dr. Giles Richard Locke II, and Sister Anne Locke Long.

Jane touched so many, many lives with grace, humor, and love and will dearly missed. To quote her six-year-old granddaughter, Jenni: "But OH! How the love of the world goes on!" Indeed, it does, and the love Jane shared with all of us and with God's world will go on. Rest in Glory, Mama Jane.

Memorials may be directed to Moody County Historical Society/ Museum or Flandreau United Methodist Church.