Noreen G. Holten

Noreen Gayle Holten, 78, of Cathlamet, died at her home on August 9, 2013. She was born on July 29, 1935 in Tacoma to John and Nell (Evans) Smythe.

She was raised in Chehalis where she graduated from high school in 1952. She attended Centralia Junior College and in 1954 she married Bud Holten. In 1959 they moved from Bellingham to Skamokawa, later moving to their home in Cathlamet. In 1979 Noreen began her career of 28 years at the Cathlamet City Library. She enjoyed her work there. She was an active member of St. Catherine Catholic Church, Mothers Club, and a volunteer for 15 years at J.A. Wendt Elementary School. She was an avid Mariners fan and loved reading and concerts. When her children were young she enjoyed time as a Girl Scout leader.

Noreen is survivied by her husband, Bud; two sons, Dan Holten and wife, Kris, of Kelso and Mike Holten and wife, Kristin, of Puyallup; two daughters, Janet Harper and husband, Ray of Castle Rock and Nancy Holten of Spokane; a brother, Bob Smythe of Tukwilla; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Cathlamet. Private inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations in Noreen’s name may be made to Blanche Bradley Memorial Library Foundation, P.O. Box 811, Cathlamet, WA 98612 or the RIF Program, P.O. Box 1841, Longview, WA 98632. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.