Virginia Holway

Longtime Oysterville resident Virginia Tartar Holway, 97, died May 3, 2007, at her home on Willapa Bay in Oysterville, Washington. The daughter of Herman and Stella (Parsons) Tartar, Oregon pioneer descendants, she was born on September 16, 1909 in Corvallis, Oregon. She spent her childhood among a large clan of aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Willamette Valley At age 7, Virginia moved back East with the family. Her father pursued his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. The family moved to Seattle in 1918 where her father taught chemistry at the University of Washington until his retirement. With her brother, Virginia continued her schooling at University Heights elementary and then Roosevelt High School from which she graduated from in 1927. Virginia continued her studies at the University of Washington, finishing with a B.S. in Home Economics, specializing in nutrition, in 1931. She taught high school, two years at Burlington (near Bellingham) and two in Olympia, Washington. In 1935, Virginia married Theodore W. Holway, a school mate, marine biologist and oysterman. They moved to Oysterville where Virginia lived for 72 years. Virginia was one of the founders of the Oysterville Community Club, a member of the Oysterville Women's Club, a member of the United Methodist Church and Friendship Circle, AAUW, Daughters of the Pioneers, Eastern Star, Roosevelt High School Golden Grads, Sandpiper Square Dancers, NAMI, and others. She served on the election board for years. Virginia was a cheerful person whose positive attitude affected everyone who met her. She had a keen wit and an easy laugh. She loved birds, flowers, her garden, writing and receiving letters, reading, music, dancing, children and watching the future generations grow With partners Glenn Heckes and Roy Kemmer, Virginia and Ted owned the Keystone Packing Company (formerly the McGowan Cannery in Ilwaco) and the Northern Oyster Company in Oysterville. Later they went out of the "fish business", trading their share in Keystone for the sole ownership of the Northern Oyster Company which is still family owned to the third generation. Ted and Virginia were always active in civic affairs, from the Oysterville Community Club, the school and their church; they enjoyed playing cards with friends and square dancing. After Ted's retirement in 1965, they traveled across the country and to Europe, especially England, Hawaii and Australia where they visited friends and relatives. They made acquaintances that came to visit them in Oysterville as well. Her husband Ted (1985) and brother Vance (1991), and son John (1996) died; and niece Mary Scofield Eberle (2002) earlier. Instead of "fading on the vine" in her widowhood death, Virginia quietly began a life of her own which lasted 22 years. Many of her new friends only knew and admired her as an independent lady living on her own. Survivors include Ruth (and Dick) Sheldon of Nahcotta, Ann (and Les) Driscoll of Ilwaco, Susan Holway of Oysterville, Katherine (and Doug) Smith of Seattle; grandchildren Don (and Jenny), Rodger & Brian (and Marilyn Sheldon; Dan, Ava, and Dennis Driscoll; and Scott and Virginia Smith. She also has 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; nephew Nick (and Reba) Tartar and nieces Helen (and Bud Bynack) and Wanda (and Norm Thompson); Bonnie Holway Rubbert, Julianna Holway Pickrell, Jim Holway and Millie Holway Place; her first cousin Ann Reid, and numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on May 12, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the Oysterville Church. Before the service, viewing will be from 10-5 pm on Thursday and Friday, as well as 9-11 am on Saturday at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach.. A graveside service will be held May 15, 2007 at 1:00 Lake View Cemetery in Seattle. Virginia both loved flowers and was generous in her giving. She made contributions to many organizations including church, civic, and education. It is difficult to pinpoint only two. The family asks that those wishing may donate to the Oysterville Community Club PO Box 21, Oysterville, WA 98641, PACE Nutrition PO Box 579, Ilwaco, WA 98624, or the charity of their choice. Photos, a more complete obituary and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.penttilaschapel.com