Burleson

With her family at her side, Cathy Burleson of Athena slipped away to glory on March 12, 2017. She was 93.

Catherine (Cathy) was born to Corley and Kate Burleson December 3, 1923, in McMinnville, Ore. Her family was of Texas pioneer lineage and moved many times between Oregon and Texas. Her early life was spent in the small town of Kosse, Texas, where she attended school until 1935. Between 1935 and 1939 she lived in Tigard, Ore., until retuning to Kosse. Cathy was valedictorian of her high school graduating class of 1941.

She returned to Oregon and worked as a civilian employee for the U.S. Army during WWII. She met Norris Nelson on a blind date and they married in 1947. They had three children. In 1948 they lost their home in the Vanport Flood. She was widowed in 1957 when Norris was killed in an auto accident.

Cathy met Roy Van Pelt while volunteering in the formation of “Parents Without Partners” in Portland. They were married in 1960 and had two children. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Roy died in 1999.

Cathy was an early participant in forming Alzheimer’s support groups in the Willamette Valley. She earned her BA degree from Linfield College in 1988, a life-long goal. Throughout her career Cathy worked as a secretary and accountant for import-export and manufacturing firms. She worked for Western Oregon University as an accountant until her retirement in 1991.

Cathy married Dick Roscoe in 1992 and they moved to Athena (later divorced). She enjoyed volunteering and was active in community affairs, serving on the RSVP Advisory council, Athena Planning Commission and Cemetery Board. She was a member of the Athena Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, and local Good Sams group. Cathy was honored as Citizen of the Year in 2006. She greatly enjoyed reading, writing, and crocheting lap robes for charity.

Cathy was preceded in death by son David Nelson and daughter Cindy Carver. She is survived by daughter Jacqueline (Earl) Anderson of Harrison, Idaho, daughter Jodie Harnden of Athena, son Rudy (Cheri) Van Pelt of Fremont, Calif., nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Athena Christian Church, March 27 at 1 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christian Aid of Walla Walla or local animal welfare groups.