Evelyn Lorene Holmes

Evelyn Lorene Holmes was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, June 3, 2008. She completed her course in the same measure of grace and dignity with which she lived each day. Evelyn was the second of five children born to George I. “Mick” and Gertrude B. Williams Holmes on August 17, 1934, in Topeka. Her parents and sister, Jacqueline Tabor, preceded her in death. Evelyn was a life long Kansan and loved her home and roots in Shawnee County, often expressing “no desire to live anywhere else.” She devoted her life to the care and nurture of her children, building them to be people of faith, hope, and love. Evelyn was director of Berryton Child Care Center, Inc., and spent many years establishing a learning foundation for the children in her care. Later she worked for and retired from Stormont-Vail HealthCare as a registration clerk, enjoying the opportunity to meet new people, make cherished friendships, and bring cheer to all who crossed her path. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Nicknamed Ditty by her brother in early childhood, she was known as Dit, Ditty, and Grandma Ditty by those who knew and loved her best. She will be greatly missed until the day her family will be reunited with her. A son and two daughters, Michael Bickell, Wichita, Vickie Lynch and husband Keith, Auburn, Jayme Burdiek and husband Edward, Topeka, survive her. A brother, Melvin and Sharon Holmes, two sisters, LaVon Fender, Georgie and Nels Foster, also survive. Evelyn was blessed with thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Michelle Simoneau and husband Jeff, Angela Varney and husband Jake, Ashley, John and Brett Lynch, Christopher, Anna, Adam, Steven, John and Katie Bickell, Emily and Abigail Burdiek. Her great-grandchilden are Ashlyn and Nolan Simoneau. Graveside services will be held 10:00am Monday, June 9th at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, June 8th, from 7:00-9:00 pm at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels and Midwest Transplant Network, sent in care of the funeral home.