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Ramona firefighters raise money for Thompson family

Ramona firefighters are sponsoring a breakfast and lunch Sunday at the Cheers II building in Ramona as fund-raisers for the Jim Thompson family.

Terri Thompson, mother of five young children and wife of Jim Thompson, was critically injured Friday in a one-vehicle accident just south of Quail Creek Road and 290th. She died Monday in a Wichita hospital.

The 33-year-old woman reportedly was on her way to work in a 1993 Geo Metro when her car skidded in loose gravel. According to the sheriff's report, the vehicle entered the east ditch, striking a utility pole.

Dale Klenda of Pilsen, who owns the field in which the car came to rest, discovered the accident at 6:45 a.m. According to Tonya Stroda of Hope, a close friend of Terri's, Thompson often left for work at 5 a.m., so she may have been in the wrecked car for almost two hours before she was found.

Klenda said he went to a nearby house and called for an ambulance. He returned to the accident scene and found the woman still sitting in the driver's seat and conscious.

He talked to her and told her an ambulance was on the way. Klenda said the next person on the scene was a first responder from Lincolnville, who attempted to open the driver's door. Local firefighter Joe Vinduska of Lincolnville was called and used Jaws of Life to cut open the door.

A Marion ambulance arrived on the scene at 7:18 a.m. Lifeteam was called and the woman was flown to Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, at approximately 8:10 a.m.

The family moved to Ramona from California a year ago this summer after Jim Thompson purchased a home there which was advertised on the Internet.

Terri was a certified nurse aide and worked in Hillsboro at Hillsboro Community Medical Center Long Term Care Unit and Parkside Home.

The children range in age from five to 14. They are home-schooled by their father.

Terri, as well as Jim, served as a volunteer firefighter in Ramona. Stroda was a fellow firefighter and is helping care for the children and make funeral arrangements. The date and time had not been set at press time.

"Terri was a good person who loved her kids and family and would do anything for anyone," Stroda said.

Jim's mother arrived Monday to be with the family.

Donations to assist the family may be sent to the Johnson Family Fund at First National Bank, Hope KS 67451.

The Sunday breakfast at Ramona will begin at 6 a.m. and continue throughout the morning. Sloppy joes will be available at noon. Free will donations will be collected.

Stroda said Thompson's casket will be draped with an American flag and an honor guard will be present, in a traditional fireman's funeral. People are encouraged to give monetary donations in lieu of flowers.

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