Florence B. Holmes, 93, of Miles City, MT died October 16, 2014 at Friendship Villa in Miles City. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Miles City, with Pastor Jerry Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Custer County Cemetery.
Florence Betty was born May 7, 1921 on the family farm near Underwood, ND to Martin and Ella (Degner) Hoyer. She attended country schools and Underwood High School. She was a switchboard operator for a number of years. She married Walter T. Holmes at Steele, ND. They lived at Underwood, Washburn, Minot and Bismarck, following Walter’s work as a blue top blade operator. While in Bismarck, Florence earned her CNA Certificate and was employed for several years at St. Alexius Hospital. She enjoyed helping others, therefore working in child and elder care at different times in her life. In 1969, they moved to Miles City, MT. Walter died in 1987 and Florence continued living in their home until 2008, when she moved to the Eagles Manor and more recently, became a resident of Friendship Villa.
Florence enjoyed gardening, flowers, and sewing. She became an excellent seamstress at an early age, sewing for her family and others, including making both of her daughter’s wedding gowns – an interest she passed down to daughter Pam. Upon moving to Miles City, she did alterations at the Miles City Laundry and at McDonald’s Department Store. She had a great love of music. As a child, she showed interest in the family piano, so her mother took her for lessons. After three (lessons) they were told by her teacher that Florence had in her head “what she wanted to do” – she started playing “by ear”. Her favorites were gospel, hymns, and country western. She became part of the R.S.V.P. in later years, playing piano for church worship services at the local rest homes and entertaining there on a regular basis. Florence was a person of great faith and attended First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Mary-Martha Circle. She later regularly attended the Sunday Worship Service at Friendship Villa. She often talked of Jesus and of his return to earth. Her advice to daughter Margo was always the same…….”Remember, when you don’t know what to do about it, you pray.” She will be forever remembered, loved and missed by her family and by many who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters; Margo (Senus) Wagner, Wilton, ND and Pam (Karl) Rogge, Miles City, MT; one stepson; Russell Holmes and family, Anoka, MN; one granddaughter: Erin (Tyler) Niedge, Miles City, MT; one great-granddaughter; Halladay Florence Ileen Niedge, Miles City, MT; one sister-in-law; Alyce Hoyer, Chamberlain, SD and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter; four brothers: Bruce, Denton, Virgil, and Vincent; two sisters: Vivian Sims and Ethel Pfau; one stepdaughter-in-law and five nephews.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church-Miles City or R.S.V.P.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Bill and Brenda (Hoyer) Gran says
Dear Margo, Pam, and Family,
We send our sympathy and prayers, upon hearing that Aunt Florence has passed on into eternal life. I have fond memories of her. Since I give piano lessons, I enjoyed hearing her tell stories about her own piano lessons. It seemed that she and her sister, Ethel, would go over to the neighbor’s house for piano lessons. I think it was Ethel who learned to play by notes, but the neighbor said she could not teach Florence, because Florence played by ear. Later, in school, Ethel accompanied the chorus, unless the chorus wanted to sing a song for which they had no written music. Then Florence accompanied them! I hope I didn’t get the two of them mixed up. I heard that story a long time ago. Florence also told me that she wanted to become a better pianist, so she ordered the book, “How to Play Piano.” She said she found the ad in the back of a magazine. She said it was a very good lesson book, and she felt she learned a lot from it.
May God continue to bless you and your families with loving memories of your dear mother. –Bill and Brenda
Teal Dobie says
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts forever. Pam, Erin & Family please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Florence was a wonderful lady and I’m honored that I got the privilege to spend two years caring for her. We had lots of good times & laughs that I will cherish forever. Rest in paradise Florence♡
Dolores h steiner says
Pam,Erin. Sorry to hear of FLorence’s passing. I will miss her when I go to the FV. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Donnelly says
Pam, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face. Hugs!!
Linda Niedge says
Pam, Karl, Erin, Tyler and Halladay Florence Ileen Niedge – though I wasn’t fortunate enough to have gotten to know Florence well, I’ll remember meeting her and seeing what a dignified, kind, proud and beautiful person she was. I see her in both of you, Pam, and Erin. I wish I could have heard her play piano! I’m so happy she was able to spend time with our little Halladay! I’m sure she was as tickled as I was to share her name with her great grandbaby! She leaves a legacy through her achievements and those of her loved ones. Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Carlene Root says
Pam and family. Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Carlene Root.
Mary Ann Liles says
Pam, Karl and family, Our sympathy is extended to you all at this difficult time. We enjoyed getting to know your mom through FUMC, she was a wise and beautiful lady. You are in our daily prayers. Best wishes, Jim and Mary Ann Liles
Harley and Janet Klein says
Pam and family, The loss of a mother is very hard and I am sure that this is an extremely difficult time for you. Please know that we are thinking of you and know what you are going through…life becomes shorter and shorter with all the loved ones that pass on. You have all been on my mind since hearing of Florence’s passing. I can remember hearng the piano being played and it was so beautiful…she was very talented. Thought and prayers going out all of you! Harley and Janet Klein
Denise and Jay Harvey says
Pam and family, what a beautiful and gracious lady! She has left a wonderful legacy! May God Bless and comfort you.
Debra Moore says
I will miss seeing Florence when I go to visit my mother at the Villa. They were good table mates. May you be comforted during this time . I often heard her singing along with the hymns when there was special music . I will miss seeing you too, Pam. Take care.
Denton W. Hoyer says
So sorry to hear Florence passed away. Keeping Pam and Margo in our hearts.
Denton and Karen
Brodrick Hoyer says
We always looked forward to visiting Florence and her family when I was a child. Margo was like an older sister to us, and Pam was close enough in age to entertain us. Florence was always kind and loving to our whole family. May God comfort you during this time of grieving.
Brock Hoyer