MENTONE —  A familiar face in the community, LaDonna Thompson, who worked for WRSW Radio for 47 years, has passed away at the age of 75.

Thompson, of rural Burket, died on Monday, Aug. 3, at Paddock Springs Health Campus in Warsaw. 

She was born in Peru in 1950 and was a 1968 graduate of Wabash High School.

She joined WRSW in 1979 and became office manager just a few years later.

“She loved her job. She was dedicated to it, and she was very efficient at everything she did,” remembered Rita Price, an on-air personality with WRSW, who said LaDonna helped her as the radio station transitioned into the use of computers. 

Worried about adapting to the new technology, Price confided to LaDonna that she might have to quit. 

LaDonna scoffed at that idea, Price said.

“She really ran me down the road, but she made me cheat sheets for every process of everything that had to be done on computer,” Price said, adding that the gesture helped ensure her long career would continue.

Tony Richards, owner and president of Kensington Digital Media, which owns WRSW, said LaDonna exuded dedication to the radio station. 

“She was our rock for so many years. She was the steady presence through any storm and always dedicated to those around her.  A true servant leader. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” Richards said.

In addition to her career at the radio station, she also worked as a clerk for Metzger Auctions.

In 1999, she married Billy Thompson, who died in 2023. 

Survivors include a son, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Following her request, no services will be held. A private interment will take place in the Palestine Cemetery, Palestine.

You can see her full obituary and comments here.

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