Denise Ann Tompkins

Denise Ann Tompkins, 62, died on Jan. 9 with loved ones by her side.

Denise was born in Odessa on May 13, 1955, to Victor and Bette Borth. She grew up on their family farm between Lind and Ritzville with her four other siblings.

She attended Lind School K-12 where she met her future husband, Brent Tompkins. Who knew that the annoying boy in front of her in sixth grade messing up her books would become the love of her life.

They graduated together in 1973.

From there, Denise attended Kinman Business College, where she received a Business degree while Brent was attending WSU.

Their love story continued when Brent asked her to marry him in her parents’ bathroom. Who would say no to that!

They were married in 1975, and then moved to Walla Walla where they had their first daughter Heather in 1979.

Just two years later they moved to the Tompkins’ family farm near Prescott and had their son Nicholas in 1981, and another daughter Rebecca in 1984.

Denise devoted her life to raising her children, making sure they felt loved and taken care of every day. She was the Treasurer of Prescott Home and School Association for many years where her children attended.

Denise was a partner and bookkeeper of Tompkins Brothers, Tompkins and Sons Farms and Tomco Seed Co. She was also an owner of Tompkins Seed Processing.

Denise continued to work for McGregor Co. as bookkeeper for 20 years after Tomco was sold.

In 2005, grandchildren started to arrive and Denise took on a new role as “Napsie.” She was so loved, and treasured dearly the opportunity to love and pray for her growing family.

Denise and Brent have been involved in the Prescott Community Church for many years where she served as a Treasurer and he as an Elder. The family believes God’s plan was set into motion long before Denise was born.

Her passing was sudden and heartbreaking. Since Jan. 9 we have witnessed an explosion of blessings that sadly came from heartache.

Proverbs 31: 28-31 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD, is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Denise is survived by her husband Brent Tompkins; three children Heather (Brian) Struckmeier of Walla Walla, Nicholas (Marston) Tompkins of Fort Worth, Texas, and Rebecca (Cameron) Kontos of Walla Walla; nine grandchildren Colton 12, Adalynn 11, Cohen 7, Brynnan 6, Emmerson 5, Caden 4, Beckett 4, Gwendolyn 3, and Brielle 8 weeks; her mother Bette (Maier) Borth; her four siblings Doug (Linda) Borth, Vicki (Mike) Younker, Pam Kulm, and Brian (Diane) Borth.

She was preceded in death by her father Victor Borth.

A memorial service will be held at Pioneer United Methodist Church on Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center or another charity of your choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 West Alder, Walla Walla.