Submitted by Dan Rich

Richard Thompson

Jan. 13, 1956 - June 19, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/21/2008
SOUTH BEND - Richard "Vance" Thompson, 52, formerly of Mishawaka passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Vance was born on January 13, 1956 in Michigan City, IN as the son of Richard and Freddy (Dilling) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard and a brother Michael Thompson. Surviving Vance are his mother, Freddy Ruskowsky of Mishawaka; three sisters, Olivia (Wayne) Bush of South Bend, Cherie (Ralph) Bush of Mishawaka and Dierdra Newton of Buckeye, AZ.; nieces, Kim (Don) Thompson, Desiree (Eric) Strefling, Shelly Thompson and Tonya Newton; nephews, Wayne, Joel, Ralph (Becky), Tony and Scott Bush and Kevin Newton; several great nieces and nephews and a great great niece and nephew. Vance worked as a Stock Clerk for Logan Center and Meijers. He truly loved life; he found joy in everything he did. He could always make you smile. Vance was involved with Logan Center, the Special Olympics and Sharing Meadows. He graduated from New Prairie High School in 1976 where he played in the band.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, June 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23rd with Rev. Dave Schrader officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorial contributions can be made in Vance's name to Sharing Meadows, Share Foundation with The Handicapped, Inc., P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 or St. Joseph County Special Olympics P.O. Box 643, Mishawaka, IN 46546-0643