Geraldine O. Holmes

Geraldine O. Holmes, 88, of Flora Vista, went to live with her Heavenly Father on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, in Farmington. She was born June 14, 1920, in Grier,NM to Oscar Lee McCormick and Alta Huges McCormick. Her childhood was spent on the family farm in Pep, NM. Geri worked in the library while attending Eastern New Mexico University. At the start of World War II, she went to California with friends to work in an airplane factory as a Rosie the Riveter. In the summer of 1942, while dancing the jitterbug, she met her beloved husband, Gene Holmes, who was serving in the U. S. Air Force in Europe. They began a whirlwind romance and were married in Las Vegas, Nev., to begin an epic love story of 66 years. While her husband was stationed overseas, Geri taught school in Pleasant Hill,NM with her sister, Hezzie. She coached both the women's and the men's basketball teams. The couple returned to Albuquerque following the years of her husband's military service. Her family operated the Holmes Floor Company. Following that, she and her husband moved to Cuba, and she kept the books for their family business, the 24-hour Wagon Wheel Truck Stop and Caf�?©. The remainder of her life was spent in Farmington. She became office manager for Southern Union Gas Company and made many lifelong friends. Geri was a member of Desk and Derrick and also Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. During her retirement years, Geri and her husband spent the winters in Mesa, Ariz., at Venture Out. Geri loved raising and racing thoroughbreds. She was a dedicated sports enthusiast and an avid Lobo fan. Many creative pursuits were enjoyed by Geri, including crochet, quilting, stained glass, silk flowers and candle holders. She was an excellent cook and her Christmas celebrations rivaled Norman Rockwell paintings. Her family was always first in her heart and she dearly loved and cared for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Geri was loving and generous with everyone. Geri was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Holmes on Dec. 27, 2008; brothers, Floyd, James and Olen Lee McCormick; sisters Bernice Scholz, and Luveda Issacs. She is survived by her son, Donnie Holmes and wife, Debbie; daughter, Jacque and husband, Dave Taylor; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Mary Holmes, and sister-in-law Lois Roberts; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and treasured friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Geri's name to the Connelly Hospitality House, 710 S. Lake St., Farmington, NM 87401. Geri is in the care of: Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, NM (505) 325-8688