Anne Jane Holmes

Anne Holmes was reunited with her late husband Vernon Holmes on May 14th. Born in Chicago in 1920, Anne’s family moved to Hawthorne, California in 1926. An outstanding high school athlete, Anne played semi-professional fast-pitch softball from 1936-42 – their team’s goodwill tour of Japan was cancelled by Pearl Harbor.

Anne met Vern at an USO dance during WW II, and they married upon his return in 1946. They moved to Vern’s Kansas farm where their son was born. Returning to Hawthorne in 1952, they resided there until retiring to Ojai in 1983. They had happened onto Ojai in 1966, and made it their weekend/vacation home. A school secretary for 40 years, Anne supported the family when Vern returned to college, at age 38, to fulfill his dream of becoming a high school Industrial Arts teacher.

In retirement, Anne and Vern volunteered at the Ojai Museum (before and after its move) and drove for Meals on Wheels for 20 years. Anne loved working at Second Helpings HELP of Ojai, and did so up until the week before her hospitalization. Anne was proudest of being there for Vern through his 50+ year battle with Crohn’s disease, and his eventual dialysis treatments. Much of his relatively-robust health he attributed to her care, and the regime of vitamins and supplements she put him on beginning in the 1950’s.

Anne is survived by her son, Larry, his wife Gail, and granddaughter Lauren, all of Laguna Hills, California. She is also survived by her brother Frank Sailer.

At her insistence, no memorial service is planned. Her ashes, and Vern’s, will be scattered together. Those wishing to make a gesture in her honor are encouraged to donate to HELP of Ojai or to Ojai Community Hospital.

The family gives its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hartenstein for his years of care for Anne; the staff at Ojai Community Hospital; Doctors Nickel, Jehlar, and Goodfriend and the nursing staff at Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. A tribute page may be viewed and condolences left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.