Carol Lee Thompson

Carol Lee Thompson

1941 - 2025

Carol Lee Thompson, 84, passed away at her home in Nampa, Idaho, on Friday, June 20, 2025.  Born January 21, 1941, in Nampa, Carol was the eldest child of Harold and Lois Fobes. Her parents later welcomed a sister, RosaLeigh ‘Rosie’ Wood, and two brothers, Hal and Rick Fobes.

As a child growing up in Nampa, she met her lifelong companion, eventual husband, and love of her life, Michael Thompson. After graduating from Nampa High School, the couple enrolled at the University of Idaho and married on September 6, 1962. After earning their degrees, they embarked on teaching careers that would each last over three decades.

Their first stop after college was nearby Lewiston, Idaho, where Carol began her career as a grade school teacher.  While there, they started a family with the birth of their son, David, in 1966.  Soon afterward, they returned to the Treasure Valley, and Carol resumed her career at Washington Elementary in Boise.

Mike's postgraduate education, for his career as a high school Spanish teacher, took the family to Mexico City for a year of studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.  Upon returning to Idaho in the summer of 1972, Carol gave birth to their second son, Scott.  That fall, the family moved to a new home in Nampa where she raised her children, continued teaching – at East Canyon and Midway Elementary schools - and would reside for the remainder of her life.  The arrival of their third son, Brian, completed the family in 1979.

As her children moved on and she retired from the teaching profession, the chore of yardwork evolved into a passion.  She left behind a carefully manicured lawn adorned with a wide array of beautiful flowers and ornamentals.  Carol also developed a deep affection for everything Disney and made numerous visits with family to Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, the Aulani Resort in Hawaii and even vacationed on a Disney cruise ship.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and sister.  She is survived by her companion and husband of over 75 years; her two brothers; her three sons and daughters-in-law, Christi, Becky, and Jolynn; nine grandchildren, Douglas, Marcus, Alex, Amber, Tiffany, Jordan, Jillian, Riley, and Darby; and three great-grandchildren, Louella, Rosalee ’Rosie’ and Jeffrey.  Lastly, she leaves behind her four beloved Corgi "babies," Jasmine, Ginger, Bella, and Beau.

Carol's family will host a Celebration of Life for her on Sunday, July 20, at 1:00 PM at the Holiday Inn in Nampa (16245 N Merchant Way, Nampa, ID 83687). Carol cherished her pets and was an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) donor. Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Carol's memory to either the ASPCA or an animal shelter or rescue in your area.