Kathryn Louise Holmes

Kathryn Louise Holmes, lovingly known as "Louise", 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Morningstar Assisted Living in Fredonia, Kansas.

She was born on Saturday, November 20, 1937, in Parsons, Kansas: the daughter of Kathryn Stallard Frame 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 were wed on March 4th, 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, Kansas, Dr. Darin (Liz) Holmes of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Mendy (Randy) Mitchell of Grand Prairie, Texas. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren, Randy (Ashley) Tindle, Jennifer DePriest, Tresslie McGraw, Cody (Andrea) Holmes, Scott Mitchell, Sarah (Murphey) Stodghill, and Sam Mitchell, as well as 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, Kansas. 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. Christmas time 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.

Visitation will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Fredonia. A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia. Louise will be interred in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.

Memorial remembrances are suggested 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.