Ruth Marghuerite Nash Thompson, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA, died at home on Friday, April 8, 2011. She attended Fisk University (B.A.), Case Western Reserve University (M.Ed., 1971) and Kent State University (Ph.D., 1995). Dr. Thompson taught Early Childhood and Special Education at Edinboro for 21 years, until the time of her death, and was regarded by her peers and students as an outstanding classroom teacher and advisor.
Dr. Thompson was born in Nassau, The Bahamas, BWI, and became a U.S. citizen following her marriage. Prior to her career as a professor, she was active in preschool education, including conducting certifications for Head Start centers throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania. She was active in community and campus affairs, and was a Board member of Lakeshore Community Services in Erie. She loved her family, children, animals and baking.
Dr. Thompson is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard ; daughter Beth and son-in-law Pascal; daughter Allison and son-in-law David; son Maxwell and daughter-in-law Racquel; and grandchildren Matteus, Indira, Nima and Yamila.
A memorial service will be held at Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, PA on Saturday, April 16. The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception from 12:00 to 2:30 PM at Miller Gym, Edinboro University.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Dr. Ruth N. Thompson Memorial Scholarship at Edinboro University, Advancement Office, 210 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444.
We were devestated to hear of Dr. Thompson’s passing. She was an amazing human being with a great love of her family, her students and her friends. She was a caring mentor and an educator of the highest quality. She brought a special energy to everything she did. We loved her sense of humor and her wonderful wit and wisdom. She will be dearly missed but she lives on in the actions and work that she inspired in us all. We love you, Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Thompson was one of the best Professors I have had here at Edinboro. Time and time again she would joke with me about how I was one of the few who cared about what we were learning. She was the first SPED prof I had and I loved her from the beginning. She was always making a joke and yet made sure that she taught to the best of her ability using her countless years of personal experience. Even when I did not have her as a Prof, I would always stop and talk to her when I saw her. My only regret is that I never made a point to visit her before she had to leave early in the semester. She always said she was going to retire when I graduated because so many students had apathy and she was sick of it. She said she could not wait to see me graduate!! I graduate in just a couple weeks and will miss seeing her there!!
Dr. Thompsom was the most inspirational teacher to me at Edinboro University. She was always honest, respectful, and dedicated to her students inside and outside of the class. As my Edinboro supervisor, she always had faith in me and encouraged me to be the best and effective teacher that I could be. Whenever I would meet with her to talk about school or about my personal life, she provided me with hope to make it through college and deal with the problems in my life. When she told stories about her family and grandchildren in class, it always reminded me of my family at home. I will truly miss her and I will always remember her favorite saying “Whateva” that she learned from her granddaughter. IT STILL MAKES ME LAUGH! I told her not to retire until I graduated so she could walk across the stage with me and she made that promise, but God had better plans for her life and I am happy that he let her be part of my life. Again, I will truly miss her and I will cherish all of our memories together. SHE IS THE BEST!!!!!!
-Symphony Vaughn, EUP 11′
Dr. Nash Thompson was such an inspirational teacher; honest, direct and caring. I will miss her very much as will many students that cherished her. To the Thompson family, please know your are in my prayers. May God Bless you. Aimee Giles, EUP 10′
Dr. Thompson was a good person and fellow Board member at Lakeshore. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends and to all whose lives she touched.
Dear friends – we are shocked and saddened to learn of Ruth’s death. We are unable to be with you on Saturday but know that she, and you, will be in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember her warmth and caring for her family. Peace be with you.
I’m sad to hear that Dr. Nash Thompsn passed away. We so valued her presence and contribution to our board meetings at the Lakeshore Community Services. I offer my condolences to those whom she left behind whom, I’m sure, she loved very much. Please be comforted that her spirit is now at peace with a loving God and Jesus Christ.