Edna Claire Holmes, 96, daughter & only child of John & Bertha (McComb) Duncan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother passed away in her sleep peacefully early Sunday morning May 12, 2024 at Touchmark Senior Living in Helena. She was born July 1, 1927 in Big Timber, MT.
Growing up, Edna attended Montana schools in Big Timber, Livingston, Gardiner & Thermopolis, WY. In 1944, she & her mom moved to Whitehall. Edna graduated valedictorian from Whitehall High School in 1945.
She retired in October 1985 after working for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 31 years in various USDA agencies in Whitehall, beginning March 1946 as an administrative assistant.
On July 1, 1950, she married Roger P. Holmes at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Whitehall. They celebrated 68 years together on July 1, 2018 before his passing on February 23, 2019 at the age of 100.
Edna & Roger sold the family home in Whitehall in October 1992, packed up their belongings & moved to Phoenix, AZ to get out of the Montana winters. They always returned to Idaho & Montana in the late spring/early summers to avoid Arizona summers. In October 2011, after Roger’s macular degeneration prevented him from continuing to drive in Phoenix, they again packed up their belongings & moved to Hunters Pointe Helena when they lived until his passing. Edna continued to live there with Valinda keeping a close eye on her, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She moved to Touchmark in February 2022 & remained there through her final days.
Edna endured summer vacations on Flathead & Echo Lakes with her family. Swimming, water skiing, boating & fishing were not her cup of tea but to spend time with the family was. In the winter there was snowmobiling. She traveled with Roger to Australia in 1986 for several months but Mom preferred to travel in the USA, which they did occasionally.
Her hobbies included reading, crafts & a lot of sewing. She also liked rural life, nature & animals (favorites were wolves & mountain lions). She would whip up the best batch of divinity. We will miss that!
Edna is survived by her daughters Valinda Holmes of East Helena, MT & Sue (Holmes) Kirk (Jim) Kirk of Boise, ID, grandchildren Sami (Kirk) Crockett (Jeremy) of Mountain Home, ID & Jamie (Kirk) Farley of Boise, ID, great grandchildren Brooklyn & Brayden Farley & Ruby & Jeremiah Crockett. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her mother & stepfather Bertha (Nanny) & George McCluskey, her grandson-in-law Kyle Farley, many aunts & uncles & extended family.
On May 27, 1952, Edna was initiated into Acacia Chapter #21, Order of the Eastern Star & served in a number of offices. She received her 50 year pin after affiliating with Miriam Chapter #1, OES in Helena in April 2004.
A special thank you is given to the compassionate Touchmark staff, who provided loving care to Edna during her time in Memory Care & especially during her final days.
Edna requested no services to be held in her honor. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Big Sky Cremations. A private family gathering will take place later this summer where Roger & Edna’s ashes will be scattered together on one last journey.
Memorials made in her honor may be sent to the Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Road, Helena, MT 59602 or to the charity of your choice.
We love you, Mom. You’re home now with Daddy & Nanny.
“Grief never ends … but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith … It is the price of love.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Wanda Williams says
Reaching out to friends Sue and Valinda from high school days. So sorry to hear about your Mom. Hugs to you! Wanda Williams
Dick & Carol Paulsen says
Valinda, sorry about you losing your mom. She raised a nice family.
Billeta Hogemark says
My mom has been a resident of Touchmark memory care unit for almost a year. I loved Edna and enjoyed her every time I visited my mom. She was one of a kind and special!
Shirley McKnight says
Valinda and family,
So sorry to see your loss of your mom. She was a lovely lady and so talented. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley McKnight
Jo Berg says
Valinda, sending heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your mother. It is so hard to let our loved ones leave us. I hope your memories will sustain you and Sue. Hugs..
Jo Berg
Howard E. Haines says
Valinda and all, I miss your Mom and how she really liked songs about animals, and other upbeat tunes and hymns, usually from 60 to a few hundred years ago.