NOELLE GRETCHEN ATWOOD

Yakima, Wash.

Noelle Gretchen Atwood, 23, of Yakima, passed away from complications due to cancer on Friday May 20, 2011 after a two-and-a-half year battle. Noelle was born on December 20, 1987, as the first of two daughters, to David Atwood and Shari (Val) Scharnhorst. Noelle graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Yakima, WA class of 2006.

Noelle had a passion for acting and participated in numerous IKE Players productions throughout high school. After graduating Noelle landed a role in a local TV show Jackson Horn, that included 16 episodes (2006-2011) and a full-length production (airing May 28 at 8 p.m. on FOX). Noelle also enjoyed cooking, baking, shopping, movies and keeping up with her favorite shows. Noelle was a hard worker her entire life and thrived as a server at Red Robin and barista at Starbucks for several years. She also delightfully mentored cabins of campers, over two summers as a Camp Roganunda counselor. Noelle greatly enjoyed being the older sister to her siblings and couldn't have done a better job of protecting and supporting her brothers and sisters.

Noelle was diagnosed with colon cancer on November 15, 2008. She rallied with friends and family and stared down her illness with courage, humor and an infectious smile. On June 19, 2010, Noelle endured another life-altering challenge when, on her way to visit family in Kennewick, WA, she rolled her vehicle in a single-car accident and spent 19 days in Seattle in the critical care unit. After all she had been through, Noelle kept smiling and kept on fighting. On Friday May 20, 2011 Noelle ended her painful battle with cancer and left her loving family; father David Atwood and stepmother Debbie Atwood, mother Shari (Val) Scharnhorst and stepfather Howard Scharnhorst, grandfather Harold Van and, adoring siblings Regan, 20, Ethan, 13, Mason, 11Ú2 years and stepsister Sydney, 20. Noelle will be greatly missed by numerous loving relatives and a growing horde of friends and fans. She is proceeded in death by her grandparents Geraldine Van, Robert Atwood and Gretchen Atwood.

A Celebration of Life will be held in memorial of Noelle Gretchen Atwood on Friday May 27, 2011 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Cascade Gardens, 5704 W. Washington Avenue in Yakima, WA. Attendees are encouraged to wear tie-dye in Noelle's honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Noelle's name to North Star Lodge Cancer Center Patient Emergency Fund in Yakima or the Make a Wish Foundation.