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Rebecca Joyce (Thompson) LaRue

Rebecca Joyce (Thompson) LaRue, 70, of Richwood, known to many as "Aunt Becky," passed away peacefully at The Ohio State University Hospital on June 29th, 2020. She was a wonderful mom, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, double great aunt, friend, coach and co-worker! Most importantly she was a good Christian. Becky was born in Radnor on February 2nd, 1950. She was baptized and a member of the Delaware Church of Christ, where she loved teaching Sunday and Wednesday classes to the little ones and watching them grow in their love for Christ! Becky’s greatest joys in life were all of her “kids” from Orange Nation. Teaching and coaching, encouraging them to succeed, she always hoped she was a good Christian example to them. She spent forty years working for North Union Local School District. She began her career as a physical education and health teacher, then onto math and algebra teacher and finally ended as the Dean of Students. She was the inaugural varsity head coach of girls’ basketball, gymnastics, and track and field. While basketball was her passion, she also coached cross country for a year and served as the assistant athletic director for several years. Everyone who knew Becky knew she loved high school sports and one college team… The Ohio State Buckeyes! She always stressed to the kids, “JUST KEEP WINNING! Even after a loss, always get back to winning!” She always reminded us all that her trials in life were minor compared to some. Her motto of just keep winning applied to all aspects of life – sports, academics, hobbies, and life in general. Her greatest wish in this earthly life is that her family members, friends, and “kids” would accept Christ, follow His commandments, and stay faithful! If all of us do those things, we will be rewarded by being with him in heaven! She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve "Lash" LaRue, they were married July 27, 1979 and he died October 17, 1986; her mother, Mary Katherene (Shark) Thompson; father, William Andrew Thompson; sister Mary Kratowicz; and brother, Eddie Thompson. She is survived by her daughter, Katie (Rick) LaRue-Martin of Springboro, her siblings: Ersy Reed, Ostrander; Patty Graham, Huber Heights and Andy (Ruby) Thompson, Radnor; sisters-in-law, Margaret Thompson, Paula LaRue, Karen LaRue, Kay LaRue, as well as many special nieces, nephews, greats and double-greats. She especially appreciated the support that was provided by Kaki, Cody, Alexis, Kenzie, Makaylin and Patty. She wrote “Keep the faith and I will see you in heaven. I love each of you very much, especially my Katie girl!” A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Delaware Church of Christ, 71 St. Rt. 203, Delaware, OH 43015 on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm, Friends may call at the church starting at 3:00 pm until the time of service. Joshua Ball will officiate. Everyone is asked to practice safe precautions. Private burial will take place at a later date at the Shoup (Thompson Twp.) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the North Union Athletic Boosters, 401 N. Franklin Street, Richwood, OH 43344, Delaware Church of Christ, P.O. Box 21, Delaware, OH 43015 and Richwood Independent Fair, P. O. Box 71, Richwood, OH 43344. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com The family is being assisted by the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood. Directions to Shoup (Thompson Twp.) Cemetery Florist Login Feel free to post a remembrance on this person's birthday, anniversary of passing, holidays, or whenever feels appropriate.

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Condolences       to #1 from: Denise Sergent Prospect Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:01 PM She was an amazing teacher, so many memories in her classroom.  Prayers for the family. #2 from: Roy and Carol Barr Richwood Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:03 PM Roy and I are heartbroken at Becky's passing. We will miss her. She was such a special person. #3 from: Sharon Stinemetz Richwood Ohio Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:05 PM She was my gym teacher though out my school year  Becky will be missed sad to hear of her passing  she’s in haven looking down at everyone who she loves and all her students she had a impact with Rest In Peace Becky going to miss a wonderful person #4 from: Nancy Clute Wiley Richwood Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:10 PM Katie, I am so sorry for your loss.  Becky was a very special lady.  She cared for the Orange Nation and her students.  She touched the lives of so many and gave them encouragement and guidance.  She loved her Buckeyes too.  She was such an inspiration to all that knew her.  She lived by her motto "Just Keep winning"  She fought a good battle and now she is at peace with her Lord and savior.  My sympathy and prayers are with you and all your family.  God Bless. #5 from: Patti Kreis YPSILANTI Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:21 PM So incredibly sorry to hear of Becky's passing!Many prayers for you all! 🙏 #6 from: Judy Beery   Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:31 PM It’s a special person that can have such a huge influence on so many children, so many generations. When your mother spoke, we listened. She was strict, but in an encouraging way. I feel she saw potential in all of us. It was just up to us to develop it, with her “cheering” us on. Stay strong Miss Katie. She’s with you every step of the way. Hugs ~ Judy Beery #7 from: PAT HAMILTON RICHWOOD Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 3:37 PM So sorry to hear about Becky. She was a fighter. Also a positive influence on all who knew her. Rest is well deserved. She will be missed. #8 from: Ron & Harrett Hammel Delaware Church of Christ Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 4:01 PM Love you Becky #9 from: Virg and Jani Rankin   Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 4:06 PM To all of Beckys family our deepest sympathy.  She was such a fighter.  She will be missed by many💕 #10 from: Rita Rubeck Parker   Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 4:39 PM Becky will always be remembered for her positive attitude, strong will and determination.  Over the years, as a teacher and coach she influenced many young people.  More importantly, she was an inspiration to all of us who are cancer survivors or cancer patients.  Becky truly "fought the good fight"!  She will be missed - a member of the sisterhood in pink - Rita #11 from: Carol Lookabaugh-Pitts Calgary, AB Canada Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 4:54 PM Katie, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. I was blessed to have your mom as my teacher in the 6th grade for PE before moving to Indiana and again when I returned my Senior year for math,  She was a great lady, you should be proud! She will be missed. #12 from: Donnie and Kathie Pfister deland florida32724 Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 5:05 PM Katie, Rick and the whole family So very sorry about Becky.  She was an inspiration to everyone.  NUHS and Richwood lost a great lady and she will be missed. Hugs and prayers to all #13 from: Bradley Jerew   Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 5:12 PM Becky was such a tremendously strong and positive woman. She was endlessly supportive of me throughout high school and subsequent collegiate and personal endeavors and kept tabs with me regularly. Her positive impact on me and thousands of others will be long remembered and we are all better people for having known her. God bless Katie and all of Becky's family left here on Earth. Rest in peace in God's glory, friend. "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." #14 from: Joe Sloop   Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 5:16 PM Always enjoyed her at ball games. She was a very awesome lady. #15 from: Regina Vining Gersch Delaware Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 6:08 PM Becky was a great school friend at Buckeye Valley. I don't believe she ever met a stranger. A life well lived. Blessings to her family🙏 #16 from: Megan (Smith) Goodman Germantown, Maryland Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 6:23 PM Thinking of you during this time, Katie. Your mom was a strong and memorable lady, and I’m really thankful for how she helped support and pave the way for young women at NU. #17 from: Pat Kyle Beayley Russell's Point Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 6:39 PM I am so sorry for to hear of Becky's passing.  It is a blessing to know that she is no longer suffering but I know how very much You will miss her. #18 from: David Hamlin Fort Oglethorpe, GA Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 7:49 PM Please accept my sincere condolences. Mrs. LaRue was my favorite math teacher and I could not have asked for anyone better! She will be missed! Our family sends our thoughts and prayers! Dave Hamlin Class of ‘88 #19 from: Mike Rees Prospect Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 9:42 PM Condolences to the LaRue family.  Quite a legacy. 🙏 #20 from: Bridget Ohio Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 10:46 PM So sad to hear I will miss seeing you in church and talking to you. Rest In Peace. Im gald your not in pain anymore and cancer free and with your husband now. Love you From Bridget Tylor and Nason Prayers for the family and friends #21 from: Amy Pratt Columbus Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 2:13 AM My sincerest condolences to Katie and the rest of Becky's family. Having known Miss Thompson before she became Mrs.Larue, she was always a very kind caring individual. She truly cared about the students at North union. May God provide you with comfort and carry you thru this very sad time. 🙏🙏🙏 #22 from: Patrick and Marilyn Morse Richwood Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 9:03 AM We are saddened at the loss of Becky. Both of our children experienced Becky's teachings and values in the classroom and in the sports venue.  Her values and steadfast pride in North Union and life has been an inspiration to many. #23 from: Judy Cooperider Gray  Richwood Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 9:51 AM Katie, What a blessing your mom was to this community! She was always doing for others. I will never forget her kindness and friendship from my Jr High- Highschool days and beyond to getting to visit with her at the highschool boys BB games.  Becky was a special lady. Hugs and love to you.   #24 from: Randy and Barb Sullivan W. Mansfield Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 10:26 AM We were so sorry to hear of Becky's passing. I have known the Thompson family for years. Becky was a wonderful woman who loved her family and had lots of friends. She always had fun and always had a passion for people and for sports at North Union. She was my basketball coach and physical education teacher. One of my favorite memories is skipping study hall and hanging out with her and other basketball players in the locker room. There was some mornings that we ran up town and got donuts for her and everyone in the locker room. We had a lot of fun toilet-papering her house and just growing a friendship more than just a coach. I will never forget her and all the fun times we had. She will be missed at the ball games and in the community. It is a blessing to know that she is now with our Lord and does not have to suffer. May all of your family find comfort in knowing that. You will be in our yhoughtd and prayers. Sincerely, Barb and Randy Sullivan #25 from: Belinda and Brian Nauman Richwood Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 10:28 AM I loved coach and she loved all her Ladycats. We were part of her family and she cared for us on the court and in the classroom and in our lives!  She cared for all her students and was the biggest supporter of each one that passed through the doors at NorthUnion.  We were blessed to have her in our lives.  She will be greatly missed.  My heart goes out to all her family.  You were everything to her!  Prayers and love your way.   #26 from: Stacie Kunkle   Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 12:30 PM Becky was such a sweet and caring person.  She was so supportive to ALL students.  The most memorable part of knowing her is that she would write each athlete a special note congratulating them, and showing her support for them to just keep winning.  Those little notes meant so much, just knowing that someone recognized them and was there cheering them on.  Her selflessness for others will always remain close to heart for all that knew her.  Becky, may you rest in peace knowing you have positively impacted so many lives and fighting your fight....you "just kept winning". #27 from: Merri Hall MARYSVILLE Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 1:06 PM Dear Katie, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Becky was a great lady. She will be with you always. Keep those warm memories close. You are in my thoughts and prayers. #28 from: John and Beth Gwynn Newark, Ohio Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 7:03 PM The NU gym will never be the same without Becky sitting in the corner to cheer for the Wildcats. May God hold Katie, Ersie, Patty, Andy, Ruby, and all the special nieces and nephews she loved, very close now. Sorry we will not be there to give you all hugs. #29 from: Nancy Everly Mt. Victory Ohio  Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 8:29 PM Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  We know you have many fond memories to keep of Becky and you will cherish those everyday. #30 from: Walter & Nancy Everly 207 Garfield Ave. Kenton Ohio Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 8:33 PM Cherish all the special times and memories you have and keep them close to your heart.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. #31 from: David Hudson Richwood Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 10:05 PM A pillar in the community.  A common sight at NU sporting events.  A true Wildcat at heart and will be greatly missed.  I will miss her sassy fiery Facebook posts and debates and will certainly miss looking across the court and seeing an empty bleacher where she always sat.  Prayers for the family during this difficult time.  She was a devout believer and she was ready to go home so please take comfort in that she now is at the feet of her savior.  Prayers 🙏 #32 from: Candy Norman Dayton, OH Wed, Jul 1, 2020 at 11:08 PM Although I never personally met Becky, I can tell what a wonderful woman she was by looking at the daughter she raised. Continued prayers for peace during this time. #33 from: Craig & Carol Young Westerville, Ohio Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 12:38 AM Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Katie and family. North Union was so Blessed to have such a dedicated teacher and fan. Becky worked tirelessly on behalf of students. She was very instrumental in helping with the new high school wing and improvements. She will be missed very much. #34 from: Janet Chadwick Richwood Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 12:04 PM I loved talking with Becky. She was so welcoming  to me when I subbed at the High School. She loved all the kids at NU! She even cheered my girls on at FFA and made each of them a wonderful hand made card. I will miss seeing her and hearing her talk! #35 from: Lahoma Elkins Richwood,Ohio Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 12:48 PM So sorry for the loss of such a great person. She was tough as a teacher but only wanted the best from her students. Will be sadly missed. #36 from: Annie Joseph, Chapel Hill House Prospect Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 2:26 PM Katie, my heart goes out to you. Your mom was a wonderful lady and will be missed. I still have the letter you wrote when Larry died. Prayers are with you. #37 from: Pat krebehenne Richwood Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 5:08 PM To all of Becky's family . Love and prayers. Cherish the memories. She loved her family above all else and next all North Union families. She was always generous with her time caring. She will be missed by all of us. She will always be in the gym or on a ballfield cheering for Norh Union or the Buckeyes. #38 from: Vaughn Williams Sarasota Florida Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 6:35 PM Katie:  I am so saddened by the news of Becky’s passing.  We had just texted not that long ago and she was status quo. I wish that I had texted her again.  She had been through so much. What  a fight that she gave.   One quick story.  When I came out of retirement and came to North Union, Becky came into my office and greeted me and said “Don’t  you be be wearing those Red  and Black clothes down here”.  Then she laughed.  I said not to worry Ma’am I have already purchased my orange and black Shirts and ties!!!  I knew that I had a friend for life.  Even with  my 37 years of experience, Becky mentored me to the ways of North Union folks.  Peace be with you my friend. #39 from: Barbara Parish Richwood Thu, Jul 2, 2020 at 7:04 PM Becky was my teacher, coach, mentor and colleague when I myself became and teacher and coach, and for the last year especially, a dear friend. As my gym teacher, she told me I was so coordinated that I should be in gymnastics (when I was working my tail off to make varsity basketball). As my coach, she took us to took us to great heights, but I'll never forget when she told me years later, "Of all the teams I coached, you had the most steals...and turnovers." As a fellow teacher when I taught at NU for 6 months and a couple teachers told me that I'd be doing well if I made it to lunch, Becky pulled me aside and said, "Don't listen to them. Those kids are alright. They just need someone special." And I loved that class. As a friend, and sitting with her nearly every game of this past basketball season, we remembered games, yelled at the refs, and talked about everyone and everything. And her ornery spiciness was never better. I'll miss you Becky. You were one of kind in everything in my eyes. And you'll always remain that way in my heart! Love you, Coach and Friend! #40 from: Julia deJonge   Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 11:58 AM Becky was a wonderful person and I am honored to  have known her.  I am heartbroken and will miss her dearly.  Prayers to all of you for comfort during this time. #41 from: Pat Livingston Traverse City Sat, Jul 4, 2020 at 12:21 PM Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family.

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