Eva Ardeen Thomson

Eva Ardeen Thomson, 78, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho as a result of a fall at home.

She was born in Fort Benton on March 7, 1939, to Margaret and Perley Vatland. When she was a young child, the family moved to Libby, where Eva attended Libby Public Schools. Eva married Dale Thomson on June 24, 1960. They were together 35 years until Dale’s passing from mesothelioma in 1992.

During her life with Dale, they became members of the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Association until they regrettably were forced to retire because of health problems.

After raising her children, Eva worked as a nurse’s aide at both St. John’s Lutheran Hospital and the Libby Care Center. She also drove a school bus and in the summer would drive the forest service crews during fire season.

Throughout her life, Eva displayed boundless energy whether she was working in her garden, mowing her lawn or cleaning house. Every day was filled with a task that she was determined to accomplish. If not outdoors, she would be found in the kitchen either cooking meals or pies or canning vegetables and fruits.

Eva loved to travel and after Dale’s untimely death, she met Leroy Billadeau and they enjoyed many years of traveling in their motorhome to Good Sam events.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, her parents Margaret and Perley Vatland and niece, Tina Benefield.

Eva is survived by her sons, Robert “Bob” Thomson (Patti) of Post Falls, Idaho and Darrell Thomson of Libby; grandsons Jesse, Jason, Scott and Ron; great-grandson Zach; sister Gayla Benefield; partner and friend Leroy Billadeau; and nieces and nephews too numerous to count.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept 15, 2017 at the Christ Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Libby Volunteer Ambulance or Pets for Life. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

The Thomson and Benefield families wish to extend their sincere thanks to the Libby Volunteer Ambulance and Dr. Nicoletto and the staff at the emergency room at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for the care and consideration shown during such a tragedy.