Coralville, IA - Dolly Christine Thompson (née Nydle), age 73, passed away on January 19, 2026, in Coralville, Iowa.

Born on September 29, 1952, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dolly was the daughter of Francis V. "Sarge" Nydle and Luana E. Walker. As a proud "Army Brat," she spent her childhood traveling to various military postings across the United States and abroad, including Camp Breckinridge and Fort Knox in Kentucky; Hanau, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. These formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for resilience and adaptability. She remained devoted to her father during his service in South Korea and South Vietnam.

In 1971, Dolly married Michael M. McCusker, and together they had two sons: Lucas A. McCusker (Sherri) of San Marcos, California, and Shane "Jake" McCusker (Jessica) of North Liberty, Iowa. She was a loving grandmother to Mirabel and Clara, whose lives she enriched with care and affection.

After her divorce in 1988, Dolly married Melvyn Thompson of Ottumwa in 1989. Through this union, she embraced a blended family that included numerous stepchildren and step-grandchildren.

Later in life, Dolly moved to North Liberty with her sister Nancy E. Nydle to help care for her granddaughters—a role they cherished deeply.

She is survived by her sons, Lucas (Sherri) and Jake (Jessica); granddaughters Mirabel and Clara; sister Nancy E. Nydle; and many Walker cousins from Iowa. Missouri, and Oregon; Nydle cousins from Iowa; and the extended Thompson family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Melvyn Thompson, and her beloved dogs Thumper, Molly, and Babe.

Dolly loved sunshine, owls, sea turtles, and especially her dogs, Babe and Becca. A devoted cook, she found joy in gathering loved ones around her table.

Per her adamant wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal services will be held. Memorials may be directed to her family.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.