Obituary of Claudia June Holmes

 Claudia Holmes passed from this life June 17^th, 2023 into the arms of our Heavenly Father.  To this is our rejoicement.  Our sadness is only for ourselves.   We have lost a mom, a grandma, an aunt, but most of all a friend, and a friend to all that were blessed to know her.  Always a phone call away with a cheery "Good Morning" or a place to stop and visit and catch up on the news of Midvale.  Or maybe some history of Middle Valley.  In 1881 her grandma Seppie, as a teenager, drove a wagon to Middle Valley from Missouri with many stories to tell along the trail. 

Claudia lived 92 plus years on this earth, born September 1930 to Claude and Agnes Keithley.   She grew up on the ranch at Keithley Creek and went to the one room school at the ShoePeg Grange and then high school in Midvale.  Always the country girl, she was Rodeo Queen at the Weiser Roundup one year.  A picture of her with her horse graced our stairs.

 In October, 1947 she married her World War II hero, Thomas E. Holmes.  As a paratrooper in Europe he had been in several major campaigns.  His main comment: “I survived”. 

 They were involved in several businesses over the years.  Ranching in Midvale and Bear Creek, near Council in the summer.  Many special memories at Bear Creek.  Deep friendships of the five families that lived there.  Family members and most of Midvale made it to Bear for the good fishing and camping.  Not to mention huckleberries to go with the sourdough pancakes.  Later the building trade, including houses for each of the three sons.  In all, there was food to prepare and books to keep.  They were partners in every sense.

 Then there were the fun times.  Family camping in Yellowstone.  Bears were the highlight in the 50’s. We lost count of the bears we saw. Even a bear helping himself to the treats in the jockey-box.  Fortunately for us, this was another tourist but they needed help discouraging the bear.  And camping with the grandkids, a favorite pastime.  Sometimes Bear Creek, sometimes EmNaHa.  Even a camping trip across the Middle East with Jeff and Diana.  And we must mention Christmas’ at the Pine Creek Cabin, built by the master craftsman.  In the summer, grandma and grandpa, fishing with the grandkids in the creek below the cabin. 

 They were married for almost 60 years, when Tom passed away in 2007.  There was never a day that she didn’t miss him as did we all.  But she kept strong with never a complaint.  A favorite comment was “old age isn't for sissy’s”.  And so we are finding.

 Claudia is survived by three sons and their spouses; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   Jeff and Diana (Daughter Tasha/Nick Pogorely and Son Trenton/Sarah), Greg and Chris (Son Tyrell), Dennis and Tonya (Daughter Laci/Bryan Steed - Sons Mason and Miles) and Son Benjamin/Jenaye – Daughter Alexandra). 

 And her brother’s children and families:   Niece Colleen (Keithley) Hubler and Nephews Chip Keithley and Jay Keithley.

 She was also preceded in death by her parents and older brother Carol (Keith) Keithley.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Midvale Church of Christ.  Interment will follow at the Eastside Cemetery.  The family suggests memorials to:

Midvale EMT’s (c/o Midvale Fire Dept. PO BOX 131, Midvale ID 83645

Rodeo Bible Camps or Idaho  https://www.rodeobiblecampsofidaho.com/

or a favorite charity.

 Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Dennis Holmes, 2184 Hwy 95, Midvale ID 83645

 

 

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