Nyla Thompson

Nyla Thompson, age 74, passed away on April 9, 2026, in Pueblo, Colorado. She was
born on August 28, 1951, in Wadena, Minnesota, to George and Vera Thompson.
Nyla graduated from Palmer High School in 1969 and went on to dedicate her life to
helping others. She served as an Assistant Supervisor and Tobacco Cessation Program
Coordinator and later worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 12 years.
Continuing her passion for caregiving, Nyla transitioned into healthcare as a Certified
Nursing Assistant, where she provided compassionate care to those in need. She was
especially known for assisting people in their homes and ensuring they made it to
important medical appointments. Nyla took great pride in being someone others could
depend on.
Family was the center of Nyla’s life. She cherished every moment spent with her loved
ones, whether playing cards, enjoying family campouts, or simply gathering together.
Her generosity and willingness to help others were unmatched—if anyone needed
anything, Nyla was always there. She enjoyed spending her Friday and Saturday
mornings exploring yard sales, and in quieter moments, she found joy in reading,
embroidery, and crewel artwork. Nyla also devoted time to her church and was actively
involved in senior luncheons, always eager to lend a helping hand.
Nyla was preceded in death by her husband, Randall Orvis (1996); her father, George
Thompson (2002); her mother, Vera Thompson (2012); her grandsons, Alex Lochmandy
(2006) Christian Schultz (2012); and her brother, Dave Thompson (2019).
She is survived by her partner, Ross Gardner; her children, T’Nette (Sean)
Shedenhelm, Anthony Lochmandy, Tyrone (Kelley) Lochmandy, Randall (Margaret)
Orvis, and Amiee (Bryant Pankoke) Schultz; and her 13 grandchildren. She is also
survived by her sisters, Nadine (Vince) Cambron and Bobbi (Bruce) Alwin; her sister-in-
law, Charlotte Thompson; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Nyla’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel.
Nyla’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for others will be deeply missed
and forever remembered.