Cate Oliver

Saturday, January 24, Catherine Jean Oliver, known as Cate-the name she preferred to Cathy and the one she used in Idaho-was born on July 28, 1953, at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. She passed away on December 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Steele Memorial Hospital in Salmon, Idaho, with her ever-loving husband at her side.
Cate courageously battled stage 4 breast cancer throughout much of 2024. She fought hard, and whether one sees her passing as a loss or a victory depends on perspective. During her final year, Cate spent much of her time studying heaven and deepening her faith, holding an unwavering belief that she was going to meet Jesus. She spoke of it often and looked forward to it with great excitement, even as she endured suffering, she did not welcome.
Cate lived a life of purpose and service through two careers. She first worked at Bank of 00America for nearly 20 years, primarily to support her family. During that time, she earned her teaching credential and fulfilled her true calling-becoming a first-grade teacher. She devoted the final 25 years of her working life to teaching, retiring at the age of 65.
Cate was preceded in life by her parents, Doris and Edison. She is survived by her siblings Becky, Lynelle, and Phil; her children Aimee, Brad, and Brent; her stepchildren Nicolette and Jakob; and her grandchildren Angel, Brandon, Lilly, Haley, and Erwin.000
Cate's greatest passion was her faith. Jesus and her relationship with Him were at the center of her life. She loved attending church, learning, worshiping, and connecting with others. She also cherished being a grandmother, working as a potter, and spending time in her home and garden.
Cate will be remembered as the most loving wife a man could ever ask for, a woman with a heart of gold who wore her heart on her sleeve. The depth and number of people who loved her stand as a testament to the remarkable life she lived.
Celebration of Life for 2026 at 11:00 AM
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
9315 Citrus Ave, Fontana, CA 92335