Keitha L Thompson

Keitha L.Thompson, of Farmington, NM, age 76, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on January 26, 2021.

Keitha was born to Ralph and Margaret Griffith on November 16, 1944 in Baker, Montana.  Keitha graduated Baker High School with the Class of 1963. Immediately afterwards, she enrolled into the Cosmetology program. She began her career as a beautician in Forsyth. There she met Gary Thompson, with whom she has two children, Troy Lynn and Scott.

Keitha was such a strong woman. By moving to Farmington, NM, Keitha and Gary were moving three states away from their families, to an unfamiliar area, with no family or friends nearby, all while expecting her first child at the young age of 22.   Despite the distance, she made sure to make a trip north about once a year so she and her children would know their family.

Keitha worked as a beautician for nearly 50 years. She was considered one the best hairdressers in town. She was known for the great care she took to meet her customer’s needs, and the soothing massages that she always gave during their shampoo.  In our community, she will be remembered primarily for the 40 plus years she owned Keitha’s Kut n’ Kurl.

She was also a woman ahead of her time. During an era that most women were still homemakers or beginning to venture into the work force, she was running a business and raising her two children on her own.  She was constantly learning and sharing knowledge.  She would go to hair shows, try to keep up with the latest clothing and hairstyles. Keitha’s creativity lent itself well to her career extending to fashion and hairstyle contests. She was an artist; she loved to draw and paint. She was a seamstress.  She loved to dance and sing.  She was driven and determined to succeed, and she did!

Keitha was a Christian woman who shared her love of Jesus and the word of God by raising her children and grandchildren in the church.  She shared her faith with many others as well

Keitha had a love for people and a servant’s heart. In addition to the care and attention she put into her family and work, on multiple occasions, she frequently bought items that people were selling to help them, and would bring them food and a few dollars to those she saw on the street.

Her house was home. Not only was her house the place were holidays were celebrated for multiple years. Her house was home, refuge, and sanctuary, more so because she embodied those attributes.

Keitha loved her family. She is remembered for her being fun and silly, for her laugh, her smile, and the little songs that she would sing using someone’s name, or singing to the radio, or a song from her childhood.  We would sing “Do your ears hang low?” each time faster than the last to see who could sing it the fastest without jumbling the words.  She would always win because we’d be too busy laughing.  She encouraged her family to pursue and participate in as many good and healthy experiences as possible, such as traveling to places and events, and going to school functions, such as music and sporting events.

Keitha was proceeded in death by her parents, Ralph and Margaret Griffith, and her brother Mike Griffith.

She is survived by her sisters, Sally, Mary Lou, Donna, and Gay, her two children, Troy Lynn and Scott, many grandchildren, and extended family.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Church, 201 Heiland Rd, Aztec, NM.

The viewing will be 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. The Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., followed by graveside burial.