Melba Lois (Thompson) Simpson, "Tommie" was born on November 4, 1930 and passed away on November 25, 2009 with family attending and under the wonderful care of the staff at Olivia White Hospice Home. Tommie was born in Raton, NM, the great-granddaughter of Johnson Mesa, NM homesteaders. She received her degree in Physical Education from the University of New Mexico and taught junior high and high school P.E. in Aztec, NM and Denver, CO for a total of 30 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lottie Thompson of Raton and sisters, Doris and Marybell and brother Bill. She is survived by one brother, John Thompson of Clayton, NM and many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed by all for her loving spirit, courage and sense of humor. Tommie's inspiration throughout her life was the indomitable strength of her family – especially her mother. Tommie moved to Arizona this year to live with her niece and family. Special thanks go to her family in Farmington, NM for their loving care and to her new friends in Arizona for all their support. Tommie's service will be held August 8, 2010 after the annual Homesteaders Picnic on Johnson Mesa, at the church which her great-grandparents helped to build. Donations given in her memory may be sent to Northland Hospice, PO Box 997, Flagstaff, AZ, 86002.