Mary Louise Holmes

In Loving Memory of Mary Louise Holmes

Mary Louise Holmes passed away on July 14, 2023. She was born December 19, 1948, to Robert and Florence Carlson in the ocean state, Rhode Island. She met her husband, Don Holmes, one evening when she drove up to him with a girlfriend in her 61 Chevy and challenged him to drag race; she lost the race but won his heart, they married in 1971 while they were both residing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They relocated to Salida in 1985 where they have been living for almost forty years.

She was a compassionate and warm-hearted woman, who deeply cared for small children. She volunteered with the Court Appointed Special Advocate organization in which volunteers were appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests. The best-interest advocacy made a life changing difference for children and youth who had experienced abuse or neglect, many of whom were in foster care.

She held many noteworthy positions within the community; she was Postmaster of the year in 2005 while she managed the Poncha Springs Post Office, she operated the front desk at the Baymont Inn & Suites and the Monarch Mountain Lodge, she provided customer service at Here’s The Scoop and the Salida Five & Dime, she was an owner of the Tenderfoot Tavern and supervisor of Cliffhangers at Monarch Mountain Lodge. She completed audits for various regional Post Offices including the Wyoming area, with her computer proficiency she taught software management to Postmasters and she led training seminars as a Safety Coordinator. As president of various local groups she organized and conducted many meetings and structured recreational activities for employees and members. 

She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and camping with her family, appreciating many of the recreational adventures in our valley. She was a member of the local Women’s Softball Team; she was a marvelous catcher for the group and loved her seasonal games.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a dear friend to all who knew her and she will be missed by us all.

She is survived by her husband, Don Holmes, her sons Christopher Holmes and Joseph (Ashley) Holmes, and seven wonderful grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, Robert and Florence Carlson.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday July 22, 2023 at the Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home and at 5:00 pm at the Elks Club on Saturday July 22, 2023 as well. Online condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Court Appointed Special Advocate or the Alliance Against Domestic Abuse.

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