FREDONIA — Kathryn Louise Holmes, lovingly known as “Louise,” 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Morningstar Assisted Living in Fredonia.
She was born on Saturday, Nov. 20, 1937, in Parsons, the daughter of Kathryn (Stallard) and Howard Morrison Frame.
In 1956, she took a train to Washington, D.C., to meet her fiance, Lewis Dwayne “Homer” Holmes, who was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. They wed on March 4 and enjoyed a remarkable marriage of 67 years until Homer’s passing on July 12, 2023.
Louise was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her children, Dee (Cindy) Holmes of Fredonia, Dr. Darin (Liz) Holmes of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Mendy (Randy) Mitchell of Grand Prairie, Texas; her seven grandchildren, Randy (Ashley) Tindle, Jennifer DePriest, Tresslie McGraw, Cody (Andrea) Holmes, Scott Mitchell, Sarah (Murphey) Stodghill and Sam Mitchell; her 14 great-grandchildren, Alira Trease, Ava Tindle, Abriel Trease, Katherine Tindle, Arien Trease, Thaddeus Tindle, Brandon DePriest, Ainsely Holmes, Titus Tindle, Arlon Holmes, Ezekiel and William Tindle, Ayla Holmes and Tevin McGraw. She was affectionately known by them and many others as Weezy, Grandma Weezer or G’nana.
Louise graduated from Parsons High School in 1955. Her passion for learning and immense curiosity led her to further her education at Parsons Junior College/Labette Community College, Pittsburg State University and St. John’s Hospital School of Medical Technology. She was later awarded the Labette Community College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Louise’s career spanned from 1958 to 2004, starting as a laboratory supervisor at Mercy Hospital in Parsons. She continued her career in the medical field in various capacities, working at Howard Elliott, M.D., Kiowa County Hospital, Labette County Medical Center and finally retired after an esteemed, three-decade tenure leading the laboratory and radiology departments at Saint Margarets Mercy/Fredonia Regional Hospital. She was an active and contributing member of the infection control program, safety committee, health fair committee and other vital healthcare organizations.
Louise was known for her kind and welcoming personality, as well as her witty sense of humor. She cherished spending time with her family, especially during holidays, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love. Christmastime was her favorite, having directed her own production of the Fredonia Christmas Pageant in the family living room, starring multiple generations. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing cards with the MVW Card Club and teaching her grandkids her favorite game, king on the corner. She spent years of her life sitting in the stands as a coach’s wife, mother and grandmother, supporting her family and favorite teams. A true Anglophile, one of the highlights of her life was traveling to England in 2012 with her family, where she immersed herself in British history and culture, visiting Highclere Castle and drinking tea with the Countess of Carnarvon.
Louise was a civic-minded individual and active in her community. She held many leadership roles including president of the USD 484 Board of Education, chairperson of the Middle School Site Council and president of the Fredonia Arts Council. Louise was also deeply involved with several organizations such as the Fredonia Library Board, Fredonia Child Care Center, Sacred Heart Parish Council, Wilson County Historical Society, Gold Dust Inc. and the Fredonia Players, among others, demonstrating her contribution to the cultural fabric of her community. She cared for the youth of Fredonia as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, CYO sponsor and member of the Mother’s Guide Club.
The family received friends Monday, Dec. 9, at Wickham Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fredonia. The rosary was prayed at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia. Louise was interred in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.
The family suggests memorials to the Fredonia Arts Council, and they may be left or mailed to the funeral home.
Kathryn Louise Holmes leaves behind a rich legacy of love, service and community spirit that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
