Mary Jane was born to Lee and Magdalena Schlabach, in Kalona, Iowa on December 31,1927. Her family consisted of six girls and four boys of which she was sixth. They moved west to the state of Oregon in 1937, where she enjoyed working outdoors with her dad on the farm. During WWII her parents operated a convalescent home where she earned spending money and purchased a correspondence art course. We have seen her love of art work throughout her life.
In 1957 Mary Jane and Wilmer C. Holmquist were married. To this union was added daughters Lynette (Alan) Bliven and Karen (Daniel) Fraijo and son Peter Holmquist, followed by eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
MJ was an educator, Sunday School teacher, artist, poet and friend. Her final days were spent at La Canada Care Center where she was lovingly cared for by the nursing staff. She is proceeded by her parents, three brothers and four sisters. Survived by her sister Dorothy Ringer and brother Larry Schlabach.