Ione (Sanders) Holeman

The heart and soul of our family, Ione (Sanders) Holeman, was born on April 30, 1923, and passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 101. Ione was born to Beulah and Pony Sanders in Waldron, Arkansas, and moved to Oklahoma at the age of four. She had three sisters, one brother and two half-brothers.

Ione grew up with a love for school and playing basketball. During World War II, she worked in an airplane factory in California and married Joe in 1943. She later traveled to Washington D.C., to visit Joe, who was stationed there with the Navy. When Joe took a position training new recruits, Ione decided to stay in D.C. Her 16-year-old sister Wanda brought their daughter Darlene to join them, arriving on Victory over Japan Day amidst a massive nationwide celebration.

Ione and Joe eventually returned to Oklahoma, Ione earned her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University. She taught and coached women's basketball in Maramec, Oklahoma. After moving to Denver, Ione earned her master's degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and worked for Denver Public Schools, where she received the Exemplary Guidance Program Award.

To deepen her understanding of bilingual education and counseling, Ione and Joe took a sabbatical and moved their family to Mexico City. There, they immersed themselves and their children in a new language and culture, enriching Ione's ability to serve Colorado students upon her return.

After retiring, Ione and Joe spent 40 years enjoying their winter home in Port Isabel, Texas. Ione and her sisters traveled the country and published three family history books. She remained active throughout her life, enjoying line dancing, yoga, walking, gardening and golfing. She dedicated many years to volunteering for organizations like Meals on Wheels.

Ione and Joe raised five children: Darlene, Joe, Jan, Tommy, and Larry. She was blessed with ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Ione was a trailblazer-an intelligent, forward-thinking woman who achieved great success in her teaching and counseling career. A lifelong educator, she instilled in her family the importance of education and service to others. She often reminded her family of the rights that earlier generations fought so hard for and the responsibility to protect them. Every year she sent reminders to her grandchildren, encouraging them to research, make informed decisions and vote.

We will miss her immensely, but find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved parents, husband, daughter, sister, and many cherished friends and family members who passed before her. Ione's incredible life leaves a legacy that will forever inspire us. Her work here is complete, and it is time for us to celebrate the tremendous life she lived.

Ione will be joining her husband Joe at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Oklahoma Street overlooking a peaceful pond.