Jennifer Joy Thompson, 71, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana of natural causes. Cremation has taken place and services are planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Big Sandy Methodist Church with Pastor Sue King officiating. Her burial will follow at the Big Sandy Cemetery where she will be buried next to her sisters. Memorials in Jennifer's honor may be made to Big Sandy Medical Center. Please visit Jennifer's online memorial page at http://www.bentonfh.com to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family.
Jennifer was born February 25, 1953, in Deer Lodge, Montana to Harold and Louise (Sluggett) Thompson. She was raised with five siblings and the family lived in various places due to their father's job in the mines. Jennifer worked as a waitress at the Western Bar Café in Emida, Idaho and eventually became the owner. She sold the café in 1988 when she moved to Montana and settled in Big Sandy to work for her brother Earl Sluggett. She met Gerald Ray and worked as a trucker and custom cutter. Jennifer's ability to handle any type of machinery was amazing. All you had to do was tell her that you didn't think she could handle it and she would prove you wrong! In 1996 she moved out to Blankenbaker in Big Sandy where she lived with her friend and life partner, Gerald Ray for over 30 years.
Jennifer was strong-willed, determined and a life-long friend to those she liked. She enjoyed fishing, was an excellent cook and had a soft spot in her heart for animals. She enjoyed working her cows and especially loved all of her farm cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Brothers: Earl Sluggett, Don and Harvey Thompson and sister Jackie Keller.
Jennifer is survived by her life companion Gerald Ray, daughter, Julia Moak (Chris Pegar) and one sister, Cindy Green.
Grandchildren: Jamie Moak (Brett Hale); Josephine Mead, Russell Mead Jr., Matthew Pegar, Cheyenne Pegar and Travis Pegar. Great Grandchildren: Emily Marden, Jessica Marden, Wyatt, Esmae, and Anne Hale.
