Thompson, Rebecca Lowman

Rebecca Lowman Thompson, 88, of Radford, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, peacefully in her sleep at her home. She was laid to rest in the family cemetery on her beloved farm on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Henry Harris Lowman; and grandson, Arthur Scott Thompson. She is survived by her brother, Robert A. Lowman; her three children, Emilie Thompson Lyckman, Helga Goodale, and William W. Thompson Jr.; her four grandchildren, Robert Thompson Jr., Britt Thompson, Avery Thompson and Aspen Thompson; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and countless friends and acquaintances she touched during her life.

Assumed to be dead at birth, Rebecca spent her whole life proving she was anything but. She was always fighting for a cause and never took no for an answer. She always lived her life on her terms. Becky always had a high standard for family, friends and for the numerous children she taught to ride. She expected nothing less than your best efforts and stood as a support block to help you reach those goals.

As an army wife stationed in Fort Sam Houston, Becky was a member of the committee that created the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Upon returning to Bedlam Manor Farm in Radford, Becky later spent a great deal of time creating sheltered workshops for the mentally disabled youth and providing support for their families. In 1957 her daughter, Emilie, created and managed the first riding school in the New River Valley, until 1969, when Becky took over management and started the Highlands Pony Club, which in two short years she took to a national rally and won! Rebecca continued to work with children over the next 50 years.

There will be a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are asked to donate to the Christ Lutheran Church. As anyone who knew Rebecca will tell you, she was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed.