Dr Heather Jo Holt
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Heather Holt, 80, passed away Feb. 11, 2021, at Brookdale Vancouver Stonebridge in Vancouver WA. She was born in Lawton OK to George William Slemmer and Inez Estella Ridling on Jan 7, 1941. After the War, the family moved to Southern California. Heather earned a BA degree at San Francisco State and she taught Social Studies in the Oakland schools for several years. She then earned a PhD in Economics from Texas A&M University in College Station TX, one of the first women with that honor. After teaching Economics at several Colleges and Universities she returned to her parents’ home in Lakewood CA. In the Summer of 1965, she met the love of her life, Garland L. Holt Jr while they both were working at Yellowstone Park. After her teaching days she married Garland on August 25, 1988 at Lakewood Village Community Church and went to live with him in Southern CA. They moved to Vancouver WA in 2008.
During their marriage Heather and Garland did much traveling throughout North America and to England, Ireland, and Scotland. They were also active in their Church, Lakewood Village Community Church, serving as Deacons.
Heather loved caring for her cats and keeping house with Garland. Heather is survived by her husband Garland and stepson Jonathan K Holt and step-granddaughter Emma Holt and sister Dr Sue Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Heather suffered from memory problem during the last few years of her life, but the Lord called her home before these problems become a major issue for her.
No services are planned at the current time. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a thank you card to the staff of Heather’s last earthly home, Brookdale Vancouver Stonebridge, 7900 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662. Their care of her overall but especially during the pandemic was nothing short of miraculous. They made arrangements so her husband could visit her several times outside due to the Pandemic. This kindness will never be forgotten.