The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Virginia Myrl Holm Estoos, 96, of Brownsmead, Ore. died Friday, November 2, 2012 in Brownsmead.

Virginia Myrl Holm Estoos’ mother came by boat to Astoria from Naselle for her birth on July 28, 1916. Her parents were Captain Ivan Holm and his wife Dora Haslam Holm. She spent a happy childhood in Naselle, graduating at 16 with the Class of 1933.

She was the granddaughter of Cathlamet residents Eliakum and Nellie Haslam and the great niece of Lettie Warren.

The Great Depression was on so her advanced education was postponed until her mother opened enough oysters to fund her years at Western Washington Normal School in Bellingham. She taught at schools in Camas and Naselle. She also was a partner in the family business, Pacific Oyster Company, Bay Center, Washington.

Virginia married Daryl Andrew Loren Estoos (D.A.L.E.) at her parents' home during WWII. The wedding was arranged to take place at short notice, should he be drafted. Owning one of the first D-4 Caterpillar tractors, Dale was deferred to help Brownsmead farmers clear land to provide food for the war effort. On Flag Day, June 14, 1942, the marriage took place with the couple moving into their unfinished house (no doors, windows, or running water) in Brownsmead. They raised a family of five children in this house on their farm. In 1958, they moved to a larger house on the hill where Virginia lived the rest of her life, dying at home on November 2, 2012

In 1947 Virginia and her mother purchased a beach house in Long Beach. Six generations of happy times continue at “Estoos-Holm.”

Virginia was very busy in many local activities: Brownsmead Grange, Home Extension, anything involving Immanuel Lutheran Church, PTA, “Ladies Aid,” and all activities of five very energetic children and later grandchildren kept Virginia on the go until recent years. When the children left the nest, she was asked to teach the local co-operative preschool, which she did for 14 years. Christian Education, sewing and cooking were some of Virginia’s most loved activities. She started a Senior Citizen’s Luncheon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, long before government programs had begun. She visited Clatsop Care Center weekly to attend their church service and serve home baked treats. She spent many hours writing and sending encouraging notes to the homebound, ill or lonely people. She was a member of Bethany Free Lutheran Church, enjoying the Lord’s Work as long as she was able. Virginia’s amazing ability to sing ALL the verses of every hymn continued until recently. Her capacity to remember scripture remained almost until the day of her death, when she went willingly and peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior.

Survivors: Daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Bill Maki of Pierce, Idaho; daughter Nora Jean Estoos of Brownsmead; daughter and son-in-law Ann and Ralph Peitsch of Svensen, Ore .; daughter Linda Dale Takalo of Brownsmead, Ore; Son and daughter-in-law Ivan John and Barbara Estoos Knappa, Ore .; Grandchildren Elaine Maki-Cook, Melinda Maki Davidson, Joe Peitsch, Carol Peitsch Kahn, Andrew Peitsch, Rachel Peitsch, Timothy Peitsch, Melissa Takalo, Todd Takalo, Katrina Takalo Morris, Chris Estoos and Bryan Estoos; great-grandchildren Kirsten and Annika Cook, Allison Davidson, Michael Peitsch, Patrick and Bridget Kahn, Ella Moses, Oskar Finney, Nora and Henry Peitsch, Cari Knapp, Dale and Eli Takalo, Ole and Trigve Morris and Ivan and Lila Estoos.

Preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Holm, husband, Dale Estoos, granddaughter Debra Ann Peitsch and a son-in-law, Alan Takalo.

Virginia would like to be remembered as someone who loved the Lord Jesus and has gone to spend eternity with him.

Graveside Services with Vault Interment: Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, in Astoria. Memorial Services will follow at Bethany Free Lutheran Church, 451 34th Street, Astoria, OR 97103.

Memorial contributions may be given to Bethany Free Lutheran Church, or to Lower Columbia Hospice, 486 12th Street, Astoria, OR 97103.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at http://www.caldwellsmortuary.com.