Betty Holmes

Betty J. Holmes, 86, died at 2:50 p.m. March 30, 2008, at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. She was born June 1, 1921, in Putnam County, Ohio to Clarence E. and Augusta Brant Vandemark, who preceded her in death. On July 30, 1941, she married John W. Holmes, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Holmes had worked at Westinghouse Electric Corp., Don Fantz Printing, Elida, Holmes Market, and sold license plates in the Elida area for 15 years. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida, since 1941, where she helped start the nursery and was active in many capacities within the church. She was a graduate of Vaughnsville High School, where she was a cheerleader. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her Lord. Survivors also include a daughter, Shirley (Larry) Ward, of Aurora, Illinois; a son, Ron (Donna) Holmes, of Burbank; a brother, Robert (Pat) Vandemark, of Ayersville, Ohio; two sisters, Ruth Hurley, of Lima, Ohio, and Margaret Stennette, of Phoenix; five grandchildren, John Ward, Jim Ward, Robert Holmes, Dana Holmes and David Holmes; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold Vandemark, James Vandemark, Lawrence Vandemark and Virgil Vandemark; two sisters, Otha Jenkins and O?Leta Jones; and three nieces and a nephew. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Ruth Solo will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 105 E. Main St., Elida, OH 45807; Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, 300 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210; The Ohio State University Medical Center; or the charity of the donor?s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.