Betty Holmer
July 24, 1919 ~ December 12, 2009
Holmer, Betty Kester, 90, homemaker, passed away Sat., Dec. 12, 2009. Services will be at St. James Episcopal Church, date and time to be announced. Mrs. Holmer was born in Lawrence, KS on July 24, 1919, the daughter of Frederick E. and Tamar (Whitmyre) Kester. She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from University of Kansas in 1940 where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduation, she was a social worker for both Jefferson and Douglas County. During WWII, she worked at the Sunflower Ordnance Works in DeSoto, KS as secretary of the chief government chemist while her husband served in the Pacific in the Navy Air Corp. In the past, Mrs. Holmer has been active in the Episcopal Church, her sorority alumna group, and the Wichita State University Womens Association (formerly Dames). She was serving as president of the WSU Dames in 1970-71, the year of the football team plane crash. She was also a charter member of the Present Day Club and on the board of the Friends of the Wichita Public Library. In 1976, Mrs. Holmer published a booklet of zucchini recipes named the “The Zucchini Collection” that was successful locally as well as across the country. The collection was the result of her husbands bountiful garden. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Robert Holmer, Professor Emeritus of WSU. Survivors: sons and daughters-in-law, Martin and Jo of Washington, DC; Chris and Jan of Lawrence, KS; Bruce and Rana of Belmont, CA; brother and wife, William and Carol Kester of St. Louis; and four grandchildren. Memorials to Episcopal Social Services at Venture House, 1005 E. 2nd St. North, Wichita, KS 67214 and Wichita State University Foundation, Betty Holmer Library Fund, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Downing Lahey Mortuary East
Services will be at St. James Episcopal Church, date and time to be announced.
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I had heard of Betty years before I met her. She and my mother shared a hometown, and were both children of University of Kansas professors; they lived within a few blocks of one another in a lovely old part of Lawrence. Betty was somewhat younger than my mother, so Id heard of the whole family from my aunts and uncles, who used to tell of all fun things shared by the neighborhood kids. Years later, I would meet Betty, as Martins mother. And then began a long friendship which endured the changes in our lives, and remained strong and close always. She never forgot my birthday, always insisted that she call me back if I called her, so as not to pay for the call. She sent flowers for special occasions, and always a lovely postcard from her many trips. Our families enjoyed many interesting links between the Holmer and Mullen families. Betty and I shared my cousin Don and his mother, my aunt Molly Holmer – who was my fathers sister. Molly and Betty were close, and kept the Swedish traditions going each season. Betty also was close to my grandmother Mullen, who lived in Wichita at the end of her life. And, Bettys sister-in-law Mildred Holmer Kronfeld and I were also close. So, Betty was a link, and we kept each other up-to-date on the extended family. About five years ago Betty sighed, Martie, I dont think Ill ever see you again, because our lives just dont put us in the same place at the same time. I was so touched by this, in August of 2006, I was able to finally make it to Kansas and visit Betty. My father had passed in 1999, and Id found his large scrapbook from his high-school years in Marion, an hour from Wichita. I organized a trip to take the book to Marion Historical Society – and to visit Betty. I was amazed to see her looking so beautiful, with the same perfect skin. Her home was as it always had been, appointed perfectly with her lovingly saved heirlooms. It was a special visit. Betty was a special person in my life, and I will continue to remember all the wonderful conversations we had, and all her thoughtfulness and love. My condolences to Martin, Chris and Bruce and their families.
To the family of Betty Holmer: I hate to send a tribute about Betty in such an impersonal way, but you are spread out all over the country, so I will do it ‘on-line’. I only knew Betty about ten years, through the Present Day Club (of which she was a Charter Member), but she was one of my favorite members of the club. As a new member, I was a little intimidated by her. She carried herself in such a regal way, and was SUCH a lady, as well as being frighteningly clever. But as I came to know her, I learned more about her, how witty she was, and how clever. Her presentations at the Club were always highlights! Perhaps my favorite story about her was a night some years ago my husband and I attended a musical presentation at a local club called the Cabaret. Even I was daunted by the LONG climb up the firetrap stairs to get to the theater. The show, called ‘The Big Bang–the History of the Universe in Two Hours’, would be considered Quite Risque by many Bible Belters. Imagine my surprise when we ended up sitting just down the row from Betty! She laughed just as hard as the rest of us! I will miss Betty greatly for her intelligence, her charm, her graciousness, and her sense of humor. Sincerely, Marian Chambers 3740 Sleepy Hollow Wichita, KS 67208
Bruce & Family: I was so sorry to read about your Moms passing. I had not seen her in years but certainly remember her involvement in the Delta Tau Delta Mothers Club. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My visits to Wichita won’t be the same without our lunch date! They began years ago when I came ‘home’ to visit my parents, Peg and Harold Decker. Mother called the ‘ladies’ and we had lunch together to catch up on family and activities. After mother died I couldn’t return to Wichita without calling the ‘ladies’ and Betty was always the first one I called. I have such fond memories. I’ll miss making that call.