SALEM- Thea Irene Krattebol was born in Salem, Oregon. She was the only child of Halfdon and Ingrid (Oestman) Krattebol, World War I immigrants from Norway.

Thea (aka Irene) graduated from Salem High School in 1941; and attended the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. After college, she obtained a position with the Federal Reserve first in Seattle; then in Portland, and finally back home in Salem.

In July, 1947, she married James Finley Noland: he preceded her in death after 62 years of marriage in August 12, 2009. Their daughter, Linda, was born in 1948; and in 1958, their family became complete with the birth of their son, Paul.

As a young woman, Irene loved to ski and sail with her cousins in the San Juan Islands. After marriage, she learned to golf; and excelled at being a friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She loved the beautiful home that her husband built for them on Joseph Street; and for, many years, Irene entertained frequently with pool parties, holiday get-togethers and any other opportunity to celebrate friends and family. She greatly enjoyed her Beta Sigma Phi sisters, parties, card and board games. She loved to travel with Jim; whether to Hong Kong or Hawaii or visiting family and friends around the country. But, most of all she loved traveling in their motor home with their grandchildren. She was a lover of animals and frequently hosted stray or abandoned animals she found on their property.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Karen Noland Kerlin: son, Paul James Noland: daughter-in-law, Debbie Noland: grandchildren – Thomas James Noland, Tyler Michael Noland, David James Kerlin, Jeremy Downey, Philip James Andrews, Troy Collin Andrews, and great grandson, Mason James Noland; cousins in Norway, Wisconsin and Washington; and her dear friends Sana DeLapp, Edie Mackey and Lucille Finn all of Salem.

She was preceded in death by her cherished parents; her loving uncle, Frederick Krattebol; her husband, and close friends; Irene Kelm, Helen Lowe, Diane Lord, Dorothy Bosch and Vera Moorhouse.

At her request, no services will be held. She will be placed near her loving parents and spouse at Belcrest Memorial Park, Salem.

In honor of Irene, memorial contributions may be made to the Willamette Humane Society, P.O. Box 13005, Salem, Oregon 97309-1005. Arrangements by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.