Emma Ruth Holt

Emma Ruth Law Holt passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at her home in Round Rock, TX due to complications from congestive heart failure. Her daughter, Linda, was at her side. Born in Omaha, TX on Dec. 19, 1925, to James P. and Eula Law, her family moved to Lufkin, TX when she was 14 years old. She was a graduate of Lufkin High School where she met the love of her life, Si Holt. He joined the Army Air Force in May 1943 and the high school sweethearts were married on Nov. 28, 1943. He served during WWII as an airplane mechanic and she lived with him at bases in Wichita Falls and Galveston, TX, and Kansas City and Leavenworth, KS.

In 1946, they returned to Lufkin where Si began a long career with Texas Power & Light. They moved the family to Dallas in 1957, and Emma was a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and loving life for Si and their two children, Linda and Si Jr. When Si was was promoted to Vice President of Texas Utilities Services, Inc. in 1976 and also began serving as Director of State and Governmental Affairs in Austin, they moved to Round Rock, TX and built their dream house, where they lived for 40 years. After Si retired in 1987, they also focused on the pecan orchard they had planted in San Saba, TX, which they worked and enjoyed until they sold it in 1996.

Emma was an extraordinarily generous and loving person who genuinely cared for the many people whose lives she touched. Through Si’s work, they had the opportunity to travel all over the U.S. and formed many strong friendships she enjoyed throughout her life. Emma was an accomplished seamstress and especially loved quilting. She took pride in her home and managed it well, was an excellent cook, and loved flowers and plants. She enjoyed watching the birds and deer on her property. She loved her family and organized Law family reunions at the pecan ranch for many years. Emma and Si both loved the scenery and life style in Colorado and New Mexico, and they spent at least a month each summer for several years in Eagle Nest, NM where they had beautiful views of the mountains and lake. Maintaining family traditions and values for her many nieces and nephews was an important part of the legacy she leaves behind. Emma recently celebrated her 90th birthday in high spirits.

Emma was preceded in death by both her husband, Si, and her son, Si, Jr., as well as her sisters, Sara Dixon and Mary Carpenter of Houston, and her brother, James P. Law, Jr. of Albuquerque, NM. She is survived by her daughter Linda Holt and her partner, Nancy Pruss, of Silver Spring, MD; her sister, Beth Edminster, of Broken Arrow, OK; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Elsie and Vernon Redd of Tyler; David and Sylvia Holt of Alto; Robert Holt, of Ingram; three generations of nieces and nephews; and, a host of loving friends and neighbors.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, Austin, Texas. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2016, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Gipson Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas.

To share your memories and condolences with Emma’s family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com. Arrangements will be provided by Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home of Austin, Texas and Gipson Funeral Home of Lufkin, Texas, both Dignity Providers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children at Heart Foundation (http://www.childrenatheartministries.org).