Catherine D. Stradley, lovingly known as Cathy, was born in Spokane, Washington, to Monica and James Olson. One of six children, she grew up during the wild and wonderful 1950s and 1960s, forming deep bonds with her siblings and developing the warmth, humor, and creativity that would define her life.
After graduating from John R. Rogers High School in 1969, Cathy entered the workforce, where she spent many years in public-facing roles. No matter the position, she had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. Friendships came easily to her, and many who crossed her path remembered her kindness long after.
In 1977, Cathy was married and soon welcomed her son, Nick Olson Zero, who currently resides in Seattle and is the great pride of her life. In 2002, she met and married Fred E. Stradley. Together they made their home in Spokane Valley, building a life filled with companionship and laughter.
Cathy was an especially creative soul, with an uncanny ability to turn almost any material into something both beautiful and useful. She excelled at cooking, baking, sewing, and a wide variety of crafts. Her professional picture framing revealed a unique eye for color and composition, and her work will be treasured by family and friends for many years to come.
After 19 years of marriage, Fred passed away in 2021. Though her health limited her activities, Cathy continued to cherish her role as a loyal friend, a remarkable sister, a devoted mother, and a loving step-grandmother. Her sense of humor, generosity of spirit, and talent for making others feel welcome never faded.
Cathy will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering kindness.
She is survived by her son, Nick; her siblings, David (Andrea), Lowell (Lynda), Robert (Connie), Elizabeth (Thom), and Roger (Andrea); her stepson, Ervin Robert; her granddaughter, Kylie; and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
A memorial gathering will be held in Spring 2026 at a time and place to be announced. At that time, Cathy's ashes will be interred alongside her husband Fred's at St. Gall's Cemetery in Colton, Washington.
After graduating from John R. Rogers High School in 1969, Cathy entered the workforce, where she spent many years in public-facing roles. No matter the position, she had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. Friendships came easily to her, and many who crossed her path remembered her kindness long after.
In 1977, Cathy was married and soon welcomed her son, Nick Olson Zero, who currently resides in Seattle and is the great pride of her life. In 2002, she met and married Fred E. Stradley. Together they made their home in Spokane Valley, building a life filled with companionship and laughter.
Cathy was an especially creative soul, with an uncanny ability to turn almost any material into something both beautiful and useful. She excelled at cooking, baking, sewing, and a wide variety of crafts. Her professional picture framing revealed a unique eye for color and composition, and her work will be treasured by family and friends for many years to come.
After 19 years of marriage, Fred passed away in 2021. Though her health limited her activities, Cathy continued to cherish her role as a loyal friend, a remarkable sister, a devoted mother, and a loving step-grandmother. Her sense of humor, generosity of spirit, and talent for making others feel welcome never faded.
Cathy will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering kindness.
She is survived by her son, Nick; her siblings, David (Andrea), Lowell (Lynda), Robert (Connie), Elizabeth (Thom), and Roger (Andrea); her stepson, Ervin Robert; her granddaughter, Kylie; and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
A memorial gathering will be held in Spring 2026 at a time and place to be announced. At that time, Cathy's ashes will be interred alongside her husband Fred's at St. Gall's Cemetery in Colton, Washington.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine D. (Olson) Stradley, please visit our flower store.
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