Kathryn A. Olson Barnhurst's Obituary
Kathryn A. Olson Barnhurst was born on June 24, 1911 in Chase, British Columbia Canada to Julius & Dena Sorenson Johnston.
She died at a hospice care center in Longview, WA. on November 17, 2006 at the age of 95.
Kathryn attended Yankton and St. Helens schools and graduated from R.A. Long High School in Longview in 1928.
She married George F. Olson in 1927 while still in high school keeping it a secret so she could graduate with her class. They were married for 59 years until his death in 1986. On Thanksgiving day in 1988 she married Ben Barnhurst.
Kathryn was an independent and innovative woman all of her life and she had many interests. She worked at the bag factory for many years and she and George owned the Mill Tavern in St. Helens. Most will remember her as "Katys Tax Service" in St. Helens, her business ran for 40 years, closing this year when Peggy moved.
She loved to travel, fish and hunt. She had many stories of the salmon and sailfish she had caught. In her later years she thoroughly loved doing taxes and helping people. She will be remembered for her advice and sense of humor.
Survivors include: Husband: Ben Barnhurst of Hillsboro; Daughters: Jean Thompson of Longview, WA.; Peggy Hoxsey of Thermopolis, Wyoming; 5 stepchildren: Dennis Barnhurst of Longview, WA.; Roger Barnhurst of Hillsboro; Lila Hickey of Parkland, WA.; Janet Bly of Nevada; and Dale Barnhurst of Junction City, OR.; 4 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; numerous step- grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by a brother-Stan Johnston.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 1:00 PM at Columbia Funeral Home
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Care Center 1035 11th Ave. Longview, WA. 98632.
Columbia Funeral Home-St. Helens Directors.
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