Phyllis Rae Boldt Sotka

Phyllis Rae Boldt Sotka passed away on November 19, 2025 at the age of 91. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She was born February 12, 1934 in Astoria, Oregon and lived in Pillar Rock much of her early childhood, at a time when everyone had to ride a boat to Astoria for groceries and other supplies. After the family home in Pillar Rock burned down she moved to Cathlamet to attend high school. She met Norman Sotka at a grange dance and they were married February 18th, 1951. They settled in Eden Valley on what became a century farm for the Sotka Family. There they raised three children while working the cattle ranch. She also enjoyed growing a large garden each year and canning the harvests. She worked for several years outside the farm selling Avon products throughout the area, and she and Norman always enjoyed supporting everyone in the youth sports programs throughout the years. They also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Mexico for vacations, and over the last 30 years were able to relax in southern California over the winters.

Phyllis was preceded in death by Norman her beloved husband of 73 years, last December. She is survived by a daughter Diane Mattson (Craig) of Naselle, a son Darrel Sotka (Stephanie) of Eden Valley, a daughter Marilyn Nikolas of Battle Ground, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Minnie of Winston, Oregon.

A funeral service to honor Phyllis' life will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11:00am, Valley Bible Church in Rosburg. Interment will follow at Eden Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Eden Valley Cemetery.