Crickett Mae (Whitson) Holloway

Cricket Mae (Whitson) Holloway, 85, died peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Los Angeles, California, to Walter and Juanita (Gergen) Whitson, Cricket spent her early years growing up in and around Corvallis, Oregon. After graduating from Corvallis High School in 1957, she married Alvin Mintken, and together they began a family. During Al’s military service, they traveled throughout the country before settling in Fontana, California. Following their divorce in 1964, Cricket began a successful career in sales. A natural people-person and gifted communicator, she found joy in connecting with others—first through Tupperware and Avon, where she was known for her warm smile and boundless energy. Then, as her children grew, Cricket shifted her talents to the automotive industry, becoming one of Ford Motor Company’s top salespeople nationwide for two consecutive years. Upon retiring from sales, Cricket returned to her beloved Oregon and made her home in Alsea. Her compassion and community spirit quickly became well known. She volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels, organized local food drives, and provided countless hours of assistance to elderly and disabled neighbors. Never one to stop learning, she also fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a Certified Public Accountant, working with H&R Block in Philomath for more than 17 years. In 2005, Cricket married the love of her life, Ronald Holloway. The two shared a deep and joyful companionship until Ron’s passing in 2009. Cricket is survived by her children: Dottie Rogers of Hesperia, California; Tisa Miller of Philomath, Oregon; Lori Shindley of Alsea, Oregon; Joni Mintken of Crescent City, California; Kimber Lee Smith of Ranson, West Virginia; Chantel Montes of Orlando, Florida; and Joshua Abbott of Corvallis, Oregon. She is also survived by her brother, Walter Whitson of Corvallis, Oregon; 21 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Whitson; mother, Juanita Crotwell; stepfather, Noah Crotwell; sister, Ruby Hansen; son, Curtis Wade Meekins; and daughter, Kelly Carmichael. Cricket will be remembered for her unwavering work ethic, sharp wit, and generous heart—a woman who faced life with courage, laughter, and love. A potluck and celebration of Cricket’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Alsea Hope Grange Hall, 27372 Alsea Deadwood Hwy, Alsea, OR 97324 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to offset funeral costs. Please contact Chantel Montes at chantelabbott@yahoo.com, or Kimber Smith at gikimber@hotmail.com if you wish to donate.

Crickett Mae (Whitson) Holloway

August 13, 1940 - November 7, 2025