Eleanor Murray Holmes, much loved mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2018 at the age of 99. Eleanor will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and positive outlook on life. Always gracious and elegant, Eleanor made everyone she interacted with comfortable with her patient, gentle and giving nature. She had a beautiful smile and a loving heart.
Eleanor was born October 12, 1918 in Seiling, Oklahoma. After graduating from Seiling High School at the age of 16, she earned a BS degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, now known as University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Eleanor met the love of her life, Herbert Hadley Holmes, while teaching vocational home economics at Sayre, Oklahoma. They married June 8, 1941 and moved to Fairview, Oklahoma where they were blessed with three children, Steve, Ann and Susan. Eleanor continued to teach while raising her family and was awarded The Major County Teacher of the Year Award for her work teaching 4th grade at Fairview Elementary School. In their later years, Eleanor and Herb were particularly well known for their support of the United Methodist Church Keenagers program for older adults. Eleanor was a dedicated member of PEO for more than 65 years.
Always ready for an adventure, Eleanor and Herb were active members of the International Flying Farmers and spent hours together happily flying across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America in their Cherokee 235. Eleanor earned her license to land the plane and was an active navigator as the duo traveled broadly both for business and pleasure.
Eleanor moved to Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City to be close to her children after Herb passed away following 53 years of marriage. Eleanor lived the remainder of her life at Epworth spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, enjoying needlepoint, singing in a choral group, and playing Mah-jong with friends. Her love, creativity and sewing skills live on in the beautiful quilts she made for her children and grandchildren.
Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Herbert H. Holmes, her son, Stephen R. Holmes, and sisters, Pauline Moldrup and Irene Murray. She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her daughters Ann Holmes Caylor and Susan Holmes Seely; daughter in law, Dianna Holmes; grandchildren, Stephen M. Holmes, Anilee Foster, Sarah Campbell; step-grandchildren Diana Decker, Lynn Ditzler, Tricia Denison; 16 great grandchildren, and nieces, Janis Bacon and Marilyn Lee. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 25, 2018 at Epworth Villa Brill Chapel.
