Mary E. Holmes

Mary E. Holmes, 70, daughter of Don and Maedene (Patton) Holmes, was called home on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Kessler Estates, her mother holding her hand. Nurse Kim, gently stroking her arm, said, “Just relax, Mary, close your eyes and go to sleep. It is ok,” and that is what she did.

Mary graduated from Elida High School as a member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida. Mary worked for a short time at Scot Lad, and then took a job with Sheller Globe until it closed. Six months later, she went to work at ODOT, retiring after 39 ½ years. Mary volunteered at several places. One of the happiest times for her was when she volunteered at Equestrian Therapy. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, and working in her yard. Mary liked many sports, with Ohio State football being her favorite! She never missed watching the Kentucky Derby.

Besides her parents, she is survived by one brother, Michael “Chuck” (Leslie) Holmes of Elida, and their daughter, Katie Schabbing and her sons, Keegan and Richard (Margy) Baca; one sister, Sandy (Jim) Holmes Carlin of Centennial, CO and their daughter, Jaime and her daughter, Audrey; one aunt, Dora Schimmoeller of Celina; one uncle, Robert (Sue, deceased) Holmes; several cousins and a special friend, LaDonna Kindle.

Preceding her death are her grandparents, Vincent and Olivia Holmes, Tom and Clara Whittaker Patton; three uncles, James (Pat), Marvin (Pat), and Vernon Patton; and two aunts, Doris Davidson and Barbara (Darrell) Young.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023, with visitation one hour prior to service, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Harter & Schier Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida, or Putnam County Hospice. The family would like to thank all who took such great care of Mary at Kessler Estates, and Putnam County Hospice.