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ZILLAH - Catherine A. Holden, 75, passed away Sept. 8, 2009 at home, surrounded by her children, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on October 9, 1933, in Olathe, Colo., to Pauline and George Abelhanz. She was president of the Lassies Pep Club at Zillah High School and queen of the Zillah Community Days. She graduated from Zillah High School in 1951 and was married in July of that year to Vernon E. Holden in Yakima, Wash.
Cathy and Vernon, who preceded her in death in September of 2006, raised six children and moved their family often as Vernon completed a 22-year career in the Navy and Air Force. The family settled a final time in Zillah in 1967. With their youngest child starting school, Cathy began a 30-year career at Inland Fruit Co. in Wapato, advancing to a position as floor supervisor.
Liked by everyone she met, Cathy is remembered for her kind heart, big smile and willingness to accept people as they are. Her grown children remember with awe how she held her family together for many years at a time when Vernon was stationed overseas. She enjoyed working in her yard, listening to music, playing bingo, and visiting with many friends at Legends Casino in Toppenish.
Cathy is survived by three daughters, Cathy Dressel of Goldendale, Wash., Cindy and Leon Johnson of Yakima, Wash., and Cheri and Lynn Durfey of Union Gap, Wash.; three sons, Earl and Nancy Holden of Zillah, Wash., David and Janice Holden of Milton-Freewater, Ore., and William Holden of Yakima, Wash., 15 grandchildren, Tarah, Brandt, Amanda, Dusty, Adam, Emily, Eric, Tony, Andrea, Audrey, Ben, Sam, Deven, Jacob and Ryan, and three great-granddaughters, Taylor, Gracie and Ella; two sisters, Barbara and Don Engle of Lewistown, Mont., and June and Don Crookston of Maple Valley, Wash.; one brother, Henry and Carol Abelhanz of Rathdrum, Idaho; and two brothers-in-law, Don Holden and Clancy Holden of Zillah, Wash. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother-in-law Dean Holden of Zillah.
Viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 11, from 1 pm to 7 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Faith Community Church at 11 am Saturday, Sept. 12. A luncheon at the church will follow graveside services at the church.
We would like to thank so much Karen Gamache with Yakima Regional Hospice and aide Michelle for everything they did for us and mom. Angels of mercy, indeed!
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I worked with Kathy for many years at Inland, she was a great friend and co-worker. She will be missed by many of her friends And now she's with Vernon. I knew him for many years at Inland also, Rest in Peace dear Lady.
Betty Gatlin
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I was her paper boy about 30 years ago. I always looked forward to dealing with the Holden household. Always kind and inviting.
Ken E. Winslow
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Earl and family, I am so sorry for your loss and pray for strength for all of you.
With so much love,
Tina Bass and Family
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My heart goes out to Catherine and her family. I meet Catherine while working 18 years at Inland Fruit. Knowing her was a pleasure for she was the kind of person that could see the good in you and never was judgemental. I always enjoyed talking with her for she made me feel good about myself as well. She was truely an inspirational person. I totally enjoyed her when talking for she always had this smile and a laughter and humor about her. You will be missed Catherine rest in peace for the journey is over. Always remember that she never dies as long as she is in our hearts and memories. I will miss her even thou we did not always keep in touch but the loving thoughts of her always was there.
Betty Masias
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Earl,David,Cathy,Cindy,Billy and Cheri,and families, Just wanted you all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers as we all say good-bye to Aunt Cathy. She was an amazing lady who we will all miss very much. My fondest memory was going places in the volkswagon bus. Wish I could be there with all of you at this hard time. My love to all of you.
Your cousin,
Wanda Holden
Opp, Alabama
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To the children of Cathy Holden we are thinking of you at this difficult time and want to send our deepest sympathy to all or you from Cathy Montrose, CO cousins. Peggy (Krill) Culver, Phyllis (Krill) Butterfield and husband Bill, Mattha (Krill) Dicamillo and husband John, and Allen Krill. Cathy was a special person and we will miss her.
Peggy Culver
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