We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Holley Franklin, after a courageous six-year battle with Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Systems Atrophy. From diagnosis, Holley faced her illness with remarkable strength, determined to hold on to her independence and joy, especially the joy she found in spending time with her four beloved granddaughters.

Holley Ann Young was born on June 6, 1957, in Portland, Oregon, to Judge Thomas Young and Patricia Jean (Doherty) Young. She grew up in Baker City (then known as Baker) with her brothers Jeffery Young and Christopher Young, and her sister Kelley (Young) Harrington.

Holley’s childhood was a busy one that included 4H cooking classes, county fair baking competitions, piano lessons, sewing, camping, flying lessons, cheering on the Baker Bulldogs, and water and snow skiing.

Holley attended Baker City High School and then Oregon State University, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Political Science. While a Beaver, Holley was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. Her leadership skills surfaced early while serving as chapter president in her senior year.

She attended Willamette University Law School, where she met her husband, Richard Franklin during their third year. Holley sat in the front of the class and Rick sat in the back. How they met is any one’s guess, but take note that they were married for 41 years.

After graduating from law school (1982), Holley began her career as a dedicated attorney, beginning as a law clerk to Judge Frank Bearden. In 1985, she joined The Standard in Portland, Oregon, as a senior attorney. Over the next 35 years, Holley proved herself as a highly capable attorney and skilled partner, and she was eventually named Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. Holley provided mentorship to many and was instrumental in structuring the Meiji Yasuda acquisition of The Standard. Former President and CEO of the Standard, Greg Ness with whom Holley worked closely, reflected on their working relationship sharing that Holley was a great partner and highly valued for her good judgement. The Meiji Yasuda transaction was a huge challenge, and uncharted territory. The legal complexities could not be underestimated, including dealings with state and Japanese regulators, and company shareholders. Holley’s confidentiality, trust, and organizational skills were of utmost importance to Greg and he knew he could always count on her. Holley retired from The Standard in 2020, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and many colleagues who knew her.

A committed benefactor, Holley contributed her time and expertise to philanthropic causes while sitting on many boards, some include Girls, Inc. PNW and Open School in Portland. Holley was passionate about youth empowerment, education, and championing the next generation of leaders.

Rick and Holley were married on June 3, 1983 and raised their daughters, Kate and Kelsey, in Gresham, Oregon. Even with a bustling law career, punctuated with a daily commute to and from Portland, Holley made it a point to be at every school and extracurricular activity for her daughters. Between dance, gymnastics, softball, soccer, volleyball, track, and piano, Kate and Kelsey always knew their biggest fans, mom and dad, would be there cheering them on. Holley’s proudest moments were watching her girls doing what they loved most, competing in sports. She often said she was living vicariously through them, as she grew up in a time and place where girls' sports were not as developed. Even so, her competitive, yet joyful nature and love of sports may have been what her family cherished most about her.

Known for her unwavering support for Oregon State University athletics, Holley was a football season ticket holder between 1986 and 2018, and a Beaver Baseball fanatic. She would often be seen wearing orange and black, and discussing the new recruiting class and season statistics with other sports fans. During the last weeks of her life, her phenomenal caregivers made sure every Beaver sporting event was on the TV or radio. Holley often said that if she had chosen another career path it would have been as a sports agent.

Holley also took great pride in her two sons-in-law, Brian Kitchell and Maxwell Virnig. She knew them as loving and dedicated partners to her girls and fathers to her grandchildren. Holley’s relationship with Brian and Max was centered around their love for sports, even if one of them was a Duck fan.

Holley’s laugh, humor, intelligence, work ethic, grace, and courage are indelibly marked in the memories of all who knew and loved her.

Holley is survived by her husband Rick, daughters Kate Kitchell (Brian), Kelsey Virnig (Maxwell), Granddaughters Kamryn and Colette Kitchell, Millie and Monroe Virnig; brothers Jeffery Young (Lauretta), Christopher Young (Ann); sister Kelley Harrington; brothers-in-law, James Franklin (Sue), Scott Franklin (Nellie); Sister-in-law Debra Jones; 16 nieces and nephews; 9 grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Patricia, her brothers-in-law, Patrick Harrington and Eddie Jones.

Holley’s celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 19th, 2025 at 4pm at Amaterra Winery in Portland, Oregon. All are welcome.

If you wish to give a gift in memory of Holley please consider The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. 

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