Irene E. Olds

Irene Olds Irene Olds August 25, 1923 - April 11, 2009 KEIZER - Irene E. Olds, 85, passed away on April 11, 2009 at her home in Keizer. She was born August 25, 1923 in Salem. The daughter of Ammon and Florence Grice, she was raised on Orchard Heights in West Salem. She graduated from Salem High School in 1941, and immediately began working for the State of Oregon as a secretary for the assistant to Governor Straub. After her career as a secretary, Irene married Willard "Bill" Olds on June 29, 1975 in Salem. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, belonged to the Assistance League of Salem and the Frank Doernbecher Guild. Irene played the piano, loved music, and enjoyed many dances with the Town Club and the Subscription Club. Irene was fascinated by the beauty of nature, especially birds and flowers. She traveled the world with Bill, but it was Oregon and the Willamette Valley that was always her home. Learning was her passion and with her remarkable memory, she excelled at cooking, gardening, organizing her home, and keeping up with family, friends, and current events. The twinkle in her eyes, her laughter and smile, sense of humor, and joy of life will be long remembered. Her husband, Bill, who was the "love of her life," died April 2008. She joined him this Easter to be "together forever." A graveside service with family will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 at Restlawn Memory Gardens, 201 Oak Grove Rd. NW., Salem. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 790 Marion St. NE., Salem. A reception in the fireside room will follow the service. Memorial donations may be made to Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation, 1121 SW. Salmon St. Suite 201, Portland, Ore. 97205. Arrangements are by Restlawn Funeral Home.