Dolores Holmes

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Sarah Zaragoza, and sister, Clara Delia.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Eddie Holmes; three daughters, Kristie Haddock (Jason), Leanna Hall (Ryan), and Robin Holmes; brothers, Ray Zaragoza, Tino Zaragoza (Cindy), and Robert Zaragoza (Cindy); grandchildren, William Donohoo (Chelsea), Christopher Donohoo, Ray Holmes (Courtney), Olivia Machado, Katie Hall, and Jake Hall; great-grandchildren, Emma, Raelynn, Lauren, Ellie, Addie, and Leo.

Dee was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School with her beautician license. Shortly after graduating she enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. She talked fondly about her time in the Corps and was proud to be a Marine. Dee excelled during her recruit training and was promoted and recognized as the "Outstanding Member" of her platoon. While stationed at Cherry Point, NC, Dee met the love of her life, Eddie Holmes, fellow Marine. They dated for a short time and got married. They made their home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dee was always a hardworking lady. She loved learning new things. Early on she worked as a waitress and moved up to management as well as becoming a chef. Anybody who knows Dee also knows what an excellent cook she is. She loved preparing big meals for her family and friends. She always wanted to make sure everyone had enough and was taken care of. She really could make anything…and it was delicious.

Dee eventually left the restaurant business and got hired at Ford Motor Company. While she worked at Ford, she became a student at Southern Ohio Technical College where she earned an associate’s degree in applied sciences in Skilled Trades. She did her apprenticeship and became the first female plumber/pipefitter at the Ford plant in Sharonville.

Dee loved her dogs! From a Rottweiler and Saint Bernard, to three toy poodles…Kong. Mia, and Barney who she loved very much. She loved working in her flower garden and being outside. She was very fast at working her crosswords puzzles and was undefeated at Scrabble.

Nothing was more important to Dee than her family. She loved her husband, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dee was always direct and to the point. She valued truth, honesty, and hard work and took pride in everything she did. Above all these things she loved God and clung to her faith. She fought a hard battle against Alzheimer’s. She never quit at anything. Dee will be greatly missed.