Irene N. Holt

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, July 14, 2010

December 29, 1909 – July 8, 2010

Irene Nora Holt, age 100 years, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2010, in Bend, Oregon. Irene was born December 29, 1909, in Burns, Oregon, to Clifford and Nora (Defenbaugh) Pugsley.

There will be a funeral service Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Niswonger- Reynolds Funeral Home. There will be a private interment at Pilot Butte Cemetery.

Irene attended and graduated from Oregon Normal College (now called Western Oregon University) in Monmouth, Oregon, with a degree in education. She taught primary grades for about 30 years; she had a gift for teaching children and had a wonderful impact on the many children she taught.

In 1934, Irene married Floyd Lewis Holt. They began their marriage life together as teachers in Burns and Crane, Oregon. They had five children, three of which survive: Jack, David, and Donna. Irene, Floyd and their family moved from Caldwell, Idaho to Bend, Oregon in 1954. In 1957, Floyd and Oscar Murray started Murray and Holt Motors. Irene continued to teach, and both Irene and Floyd were active in the community. Irene was a member of the local Teachers Association. Floyd died in 1975.

Irene’s life passions were her family first, followed by teaching at the primary level, breeding Quarter Horses and raising cats. Irene, being raised in Diamond, Oregon where her father home- steaded on Fish Lake, grew up riding horses, was an accomplished rider, and she and Floyd shared this love for performance Quarter Horses during their married life together.

Irene is survived by her three children: Jack and Heidi Holt, David and Susan Holt, and Donna and Leonard Steinberg. She also has seven grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.

Irene N. Holt