Kathleen Noes

In Loving Memory of Kathleen (Russell) Noes

August 8, 1947 – June 8, 2025

Kathleen “Kathy” Noes, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, in Springfield, Oregon, surrounded by family and love.

Born on August 8, 1947, in Redondo Beach, California, Kathy lived a vibrant and passionate life. She was a woman of great humor, resilience and joy. She was someone who could laugh until she cried (and make you do the same).

She moved to Santa Cruz, CA in 1958, graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1965 and started her family two years later. In 1979 she met Gary Noes and they were together for 45 years. In 2004 they moved to Springfield, OR where she lived out the rest of her life.

Kathy was the proud matriarch of a beautifully blended family. She was active in all of her children’s sports and activities, even helping coach little league. She enjoyed tennis in her younger years, softball, bowling and swimming.

Professionally, Kathy took on many roles over the years, including that of a business owner, but she found true purpose as an educational assistant supporting students with disabilities. Her demeanor and patience made her a natural in the classroom and a favorite among students and staff alike.

At home, Kathy surrounded herself with beauty and comfort. She took special pride in the hydrangeas that bloomed around her cozy farmhouse. She also had a playful side, with a soft spot for horses and an affection for Betty Boop memorabilia. Kathy had two dogs, Kiley and Gracie who were faithful companions to her. The ocean was her soul’s home—where she could bask in the sun, listen to the waves, and breathe in the salty air. Her trip to Ireland was a lifelong dream fulfilled, and she recounted it with wonder for years after.

Kathy is survived by her children: Paige (Mary) Hesch, Brent Palmer, Sean (Lena) Palmer, Joanne Erspamer, and Jacob (Megan) Noes; her stepdaughter Stefanie (Lincoln) Hubbard; five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and two adored great-grandsons who knew her simply and sweetly as “GG Ma.” She also leaves behind 6 siblings: Meri (Bob)Anstead, Buddy Russell, Terry (Wendy) Russell, Kevin (Terry) Russell, Colleen(Randy) Prock and Janeen Dittrick. She is proceeded in death by her parents Ernie & Pat Russell and her younger sister Patti Russell.

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of laughter, strength, and fierce love. She will be deeply missed. Her family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

In honor of Kathy, take a moment to feel the sun on your face, laugh loudly, say something wildly inappropriate (but funny), and find joy in the small things.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Kathy, please see the following organizations below:

Patient Pet Advocate of Oregon

patientpetadvocates.org

Alzheimer's Association

Alz.org