PJ Holmberg

Pathina Jayne “PJ” Holmberg, 97, was “Promoted to Glory”, on Oct. 2, 2024, at Middleton Assisted Living in Granville, Ohio. She was born on August 29, 1927 in Hamilton, Ohio to the late James and Emma (Rogers) Rucker.

Upon graduation from high school in 1945, PJ felt God’s call on her life to become a minister and social worker for The Salvation Army. At the age of 19, she graduated from The Salvation Army School for officers training in New York. She met fellow Salvation Army officer Edward Holmberg and married in 1953; eventually having 5 children. Over their nearly 50 years as officers, she and her husband humbly ministered and cared for thousands of people in over 10 cities across the United States. PJ truly had a heart to serve and made everyone she came in contact with feel important and loved. She loved to laugh and made sure to include fun activities in every event, whether at church, home, or family gatherings. PJ loved spending time at their cottage in Lakeside, Ohio and the family shared many fond memories there. After retiring in 1995, Ed and PJ enjoyed a quiet life in Pataskala, Ohio enjoying time with family, friends and serving at the Chapel at Worthington Woods Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army’s mission statement ” Is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. As spoken by many who knew her, “PJ truly reflected the love of Jesus and is an example of God’s love to all mankind.

PJ will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 71 years, Major Edward; as well as her children, Edward Jr. (Becky), Paula (Bill) Dycus, Peter, Erik, and Philip (Angela); grandchildren, Erica (John) Steiner, Brianne (Tommy) Mullin, Edward III (Lynn), Amanda (Mike) Anderson, Sherry (Kody) Kubbs, Ben (Sarah) Dycus, Jordan (Noelle) Dycus, Christina (Suhail) Patel, Kala Cornett (Kelsey), Luke, and 16 great-grandchildren as well as many friends and other family members. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son-in-law William A. Young and seven siblings.

A private family service will take place at Glen Rest Memorial Estate.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate PJ’s amazing life and worship together at the Salvation Army Chapel at Worthington Woods (760 Worthington Woods Blvd. Columbus, OH) on Saturday Oct. 26 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Salvation Army

“He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me … has passed from death into life” (John 5:24 NKJV)