Nyla Ann Thompson

Nyla Ann Thompson, age 84, of Mitchell, SD died Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with military rites. Burial will be at the American Legion Cemetery in Mitchell, SD at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Nyla Ann (VanZee) Thompson, daughter to Dealus and LuElla (Winegarden) VanZee, was born October 21, 1941 in Miner County, SD. She grew up on a farm near Wessington Springs, SD. Nyla lived in Miner County, SD, Alpena, SD, Wessington Springs, SD, Garden Grove, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Mitchell, SD, Mt. Vernon, SD, Salem, SD and final Mitchell, SD.

She attended Dale Center Country School and graduated from Alpena High School. Nyla received her LPN from St. Mary’s School of Practical Nursing and a degree in Clinical Laboratory Technician from Mitchell Technical College. She entered the US Army on October 18, 1960 and was honorably discharged on Mary 17, 1961. She continued nursing at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell and private nursing in Colorado for 40 years retiring in 2001.

Nyla was united in marriage with Clair Thompson on January 20, 1964 in Wessington Springs, SD.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking, knitting, reading, and working on her computer.

Nyla was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 18 in Mitchell, SD.

Grateful for having shared her life are her four children, Jodeen (Kevin) Brown, Ramona, SD, Trudy (Brad) Seamer, Sioux Falls, SD, Peggy Leighton, Madison, SD, Terry (Jennifer) Thompson, Colman, SD; her grandchildren, Skyler, Spencer (Shelby) and Ramsey Leighton, Cooper, Ryker and Tucker Seamer, Amanda and Stephany Brown, Isaak, Jakob and Kadin Thompson; a great grandson, Boyd Leighton; two brothers, David VanZee, Illinois, Donald VanZee, Kansas; a sister, Nancy (Dick) Gilbert, Englewood, CO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair Thompson on July 31, 2025; her parents; two sisters, Alyce and Lois.