Obituary of Lana Elizabeth Thompson

Lana Elizabeth Thompson (Slater) died peacefully in her sleep Monday, March 3 at age 45 in Las Vegas, NV. Lana was a celebrated teacher with the Clark County School District for over 18 years and won numerous awards particularly while at Faiss Middle School where she taught English and Reading. She was the first in her family to obtain a Bachelors Degree (UNLV) and the first on both sides of her family to obtain a Masters degree (UNLV). Students have spontaneously been decorating her classroom door with hundreds of letters, bracelets, flowers, expressing their deep love for this dedicated teacher. Lana was also a devoted wife and mother, loyal friend, and active member of the community including womens organizations at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Catholic Church. She is survived by her Las Vegas family; Husband of 23 years, Donny Thompson, children Brittany (19) and Ryan (15), parents Don and Peggy Thompson and Linda Slater, Aunt Sandy D'Agostino, brother-in law Dan Thompson, Steve and Lisa Barclay and their family, Kim and Dominique Ritzer and their family. In Maryland she is survived by sister-in-law Dina Barclay and her husband John, and nieces Lindsay and Carissa Barclay. In San Diego, she is survived by Uncle John D'Agostino and Aunt Amy D'Agostino. In Arkansas, she is survived by Uncle Jim Stinson and Aunt Glenda Stinson of Waldron and sister Carla Harley and David Harley of Mena AR, niece Natasha Reeves and her family, and nephew Brady Newbolt and family of Mena. Lana is also survived by numerous close and lifelong friends including Faith Phillips, Alicia McDow, Cathy Stevens, Christine Bates, Debi Toombs, and many more, extended family from across the country, and thousands of students whose lives were touched. Lana's short life shall not be measured in years, but by the number of lives she touched. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday March 13 at 4:00pm with music beginning at 3:30. St Joseph Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church 7260 W Sahara Ave Las Vegas NV 89117 In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to support Faiss Middle School c/o Mr. Miller, Principal 6th/7th Grade ELA Dept 9525 W Maule Ave Las Vegas, NV 89148 The school will be dedicating a reading corner in the library to Mrs. Thompson's name and using donations to purchase educational materials and books to continue her legacy. "To teach is to touch a life forever."