James Ardell Thompson

James Ardell Thompson
Richfield, Utah

James “Ardell” Thompson, 91, passed away on November 26, 2024 at his home in Richfield. Ardell was born March 20, 1933 in Austin, Utah to loving parents, Lemuel Earl Thompson and Elva Mae Roberts. He married the love of his life, Billie Raeola Johnson, on July 3, 1950 in Richfield. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple. Sweethearts for over seventy years, Ardell held Billie’s hand wherever they went. Theirs was a true and eternal love story. After Billie’s passing in 2020, Ardell has missed her everyday and we have no doubt they are enjoying a sweet reunion.

Ardell was a beloved and amazing father who loved his children fiercely. He was a wonderful grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather to many grandchildren who love him dearly. Ardell loved his family, and was always up for a family reunion. Ardell adored his grandchildren, and prayed for them every night, from the oldest grandchild all the way down to the youngest.

Ardell was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Heavenly Father and served in many callings in the church.

Ardell was a manager at Intermountain Farmers, a career he enjoyed for over 65 years. He loved being outdoors – especially at Kimberly – and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, reloading, and four-wheeling. Ardell was well-known for his teasing; if you sat next to him at the kitchen table, you could plan on Ardell putting butter under your nose or messing with your fork.

To know Ardell was to love him. He will be remembered as a tender and loving friend, neighbor, father, and grandfather, and will be missed by all who knew him. We will rejoice and celebrate his life here on earth, and we find comfort in the knowledge that we will reunite with him someday as an eternal family.

Ardell is survived by his children: Patty (Layne) Ruff, Riverton; Kevon Thompson, and Tommy (Sheri) Thompson, both of Richfield; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 13 great- great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Billie.

A viewing will take place on December 4, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Magleby Mortuary. Funeral services will be held December 5, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery, where Ardell will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart. 

Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Ardell’s obituary.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti