Rose Thompson

Rose (Geier Bailey) Thompson went to the loving arms of Jesus on May 24, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 10, 1933 in Bismarck to Christian and Christine (Schlecht) Geier. She was raised on a farm in Hazelton and graduated from Hazelton High School in 1947.

On September 16, 1951 she married her high school sweetheart Erwin Bailey and resided on the family farm in Moffit, where they raised their three kids, Burns, Kristi and Bruce. They worked the farm come rain or shine, and she learned many skills, business management, tending fields, running machinery and caring for animals are just a few, all the while tending to her children and passing on values and the love of Jesus. Erwin and Rose made a business, a living and most importantly a home together on the farm until Erwin’s passing in June of 1981. Rose continued to work and live on the farm with her sons until 1987 when she remarried to Larry (Buzz) Thompson. 

After moving to Bismarck, Rose enjoyed life, exploring different job opportunities. But, one of her favorite pastimes was cooking, a skill that was necessary on the farm, it turned into a passion later in life. She was most joyful in the kitchen trying new and old recipes. She spent countless hours with her daughter and grandchildren passing her “secret” recipes to the next generation. Her love was baked into each and every dish she prepared and she enjoyed sharing them with friends, neighbors and family. Those who had the honor of tasting her meals and treats will forever remember and miss the perfect flavor of each dish. She had a way with food that was almost magical, hard to duplicate and was inspiring. It was mesmerizing watching her create, mixing most things from memory. Her talent and passion will be greatly missed.  

Rose was full of surprises, always up for a good card game she loved to play Pinochle and taught her grandkids how to play. She loved a good joke (or even a bad one). If you spent any time with Rose, you knew that laughing and enjoying time with her loved ones was close to her heart. Rose and her sisters could often be found reminiscing (which often lead to rolling laughter) about past shenanigans. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of pride in her life. She could often be found spending time with them whether it was on the phone, playing games, cooking or enjoying each other’s company, and she would tell anyone who gave her a moment about all the great things each one of them was doing. 

Rose was a welcoming soul. Many came through the doors of her home, and when you did you would be greeted by a smile, a hug and a kiss. She loved people and their company and it showed in the care she gave to others. The spark and joy Rose brought to each room she entered will be forever missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Christine (Schlecht) Geier, brothers Richard Geier, Christ (Junior) Geier, and Jack Geier, sisters Alma Geier, Martha Reider, Clara Kurtz, and Betty Balanga and her husband Erwin Bailey. She is survived by her husband Larry (Buzz) Thompson, her children Burns (Jennifer) Bailey, Kristi Richter, and Bruce (Laurie) Bailey, grandchildren Joshua Bailey, Kayla (Nick) Braun, Erin Bailey, Beau Bailey, Timothy Richter, Lucas Richter and many great grandchildren. 

Rose’s life will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday, May 28 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, with close friends and family. Visitation will be held one-hour prior at the funeral home. Urn bearers will be Joshua Bailey, Kayla Braun, Erin Bailey, Beau Bailey, Timothy Richter and Lucas Richter. A service livestream will be available on the funeral home's website.