Linda Richter Thompson's Obituary
Linda Richter Thompson, age 80, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025. She was born April 16, 1945, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, the daughter of Theodore and Ruby Richter.
Linda grew up in Gillett, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She began her teaching career in Greenland, Arkansas, and went on to teach for more than 20 years in Pine Bluff, where she shared her love of reading and her passion for nurturing young minds. Linda had a special gift for inspiring children and helping them grow, always believing in the power of education to shape the future.
Outside of teaching, Linda was active in her church and community. She was a devoted longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and in recent years attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers. She was also active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), where she held multiple leadership positions, including Treasurer of the Mid-Arkansas Zone, a role in which she collected mite money to support multiple missions funded by the LWML, living her faith boldly and enthusiastically. Linda enjoyed antiquing and sewing. She loved being a Gammy to her grandchildren, spoiling them as they grew up and cherishing every moment spent with them. Above all, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then her family deeply. She was known for her honesty, sense of humor, and her warm, unforgettable laugh. She was a loyal wife, mother, and Gammy.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Ruby Richter; her brother, Darrall Richter; and her daughter, Michelle Needler.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Henry Thompson Jr.; her son, Heath Thompson, and his wife, Mandy Thompson, and their children Emily Greer (married to Grayson Greer, parents of Phoebe Greer), Molly Thompson, and Lily Thompson; her son-in-law, Mark Needler, and his children, Marabeth and Hamilton Needler.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 W. Hudson Road, Rogers, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) at either First Lutheran Church LWML in Hot Springs, Arkansas, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church LWML in Rogers, Arkansas. Donations can be sent to:
First Lutheran Church LWML 105 Village Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church LWML 1101 W. Hudson Rd., Rogers, AR 72756
Arrangements are under the care of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?