Frances Rivas Holdbrooks

Frances Holdbrooks passed away peacefully at her home on Holdbrooks Ranch in Lemon Cove, California, in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on February 1, 1948, to parents, Joaquin and Mary Rivas, and she was one of nine children. She grew up in Woodlake and attended Woodlake schools.

Frances met her forever cowboy one day when Clarence Holdbrooks came into Margie’s Café, for an ice cold “tea” after working his horses for the day. It was then that he met the light of his life. Frances was working as a waitress and putting herself through college. They dated for several years until they married on October 4, 1969, in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Woodlake.

Frances earned her bachelors degree from CSU Fresno in 1974 and her elementary teaching credential in 1976. She went on to add a Bilingual/bicultural Education Masters degree as well as California Community Colleges instructional credential and, in 1981, she achieved an Administrative Service Credential. Frances built a remarkable career in education, leaving a legacy across multiple school districts, including Lindsay Unified, Visalia Unified, and Woodlake. She spent decades lifting up students, teachers, and administrators with her wisdom and belief in the power of learning. She served in numerous leadership roles—Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Director of Preschool, Migrant Director, and Mineral King Elementary Principal.

Her dedication didn’t stop at retirement; Frances continued to support early childhood programs and even helped Lindsay Unified secure the region’s independent Migrant Education designation—an impact that continues to shape the community today. She was honored as Administrator of the Year (Curriculum & Instruction) and was a cherished mentor to many rising leaders in education, including those who still speak of her guidance with gratitude and admiration.

In 2009, Frances brought her passion for education into local governance, running for—and winning—a seat on the Woodlake Union Elementary School Board, where she continued advocating for students, families, and high-quality instruction.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Frances embraced life with joy and warmth. She was a fabulous cook, a passionate gardener, and a proud supporter of her husband Clarence’s world of cutting horses and cattle. Frances knew a good horse when she saw one and possessed great knowledge of the bloodlines, breeders, and trainers in the industry. She and Clarence built their ranch and cattle herd from the ground up—an accomplishment she was very proud of. They made many wonderful memories together on pack trips to the backcountry, drives to the coast, and the cruise to Alaska. They enjoyed spending time with each other in their Rogue River home in Oregon. Frances shared her love of nature with her nieces and nephews, taking them camping, fishing, and hiking. Holidays, family gatherings, and everyday moments were made special by her delicious meals, her beautiful blooms, and her generosity of spirit.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Clarence; her sisters Connie Northcutt and Terry Wilcoxson; and the many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, great-grand-nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Joaquin and Mary Rivas; her sisters Guadalupe (Lupe) Rippetoe and Marianne Doria; and her brothers Joseph, Mike Sr., Jesse, and Matt Rivas.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Rosie, Gina, Lindsey, dedicated medical staff, and all those who offered companionship, support, and care during Frances’s final journey.

Funeral service to include Rosary and Mass will be at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Woodlake on Friday, December 19 at 11:00am. Arrangements made by Miller Memorial Chapel. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place at Whitney’s Wild Oak Ranch in Exeter from noon to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Frances Rivas Holdbrooks Scholarship of Lindsay Unified School District.