Betty A. Holmes was born on July 28th, 1932 in Mansfield, Ohio, to parents Jennie and Carlos Wilson. Betty's passion for teaching motivated her to work and put herself through college for six years, graduating from Ashland College in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in education. Later, Betty would go on to earn a master's degree in education from Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington. Betty taught school for 34 years, including 29 years in the Tonasket School District. Throughout her career, Betty taught kindergarten, first, and second grades—and even though she taught children so young, she could always recognize her past students even as adults. Betty was devoted to Christ, and she was a lifetime member of the Church of the Brethren. Along her Brethren journey, she served in the Brethren Volunteer Service, including time volunteering with her lifelong best friend, Mary DeLong, as pastors of a small church in Mount Airy, North Carolina. As a Brethren volunteer, Betty also traveled to Italy in 1960, and it was there that she met her future husband, Franklin C. Holmes. Betty was actively involved in the church throughout her life, devoting countless hours to teaching Sunday school classes, serving on church committees, attending conferences, volunteering, tithing, and fundraising faithfully until her passing. Alongside her faith in Christ, family and community were the most important parts of Betty's life, and she dedicated much of her time to community events and organizations. She was part of the Tonasket Retired Teachers Association, the Rock Club, the Garden Club, WE Women, the Samaritan's Purse, and the SAIL exercise class in Tonasket. Betty believed in being healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Betty had a lively sense of humor and boundless curiosity about the world around her. Fearless, fun, and adventurous, she was always a joy to be around. She traveled extensively—as far as Hawaii and Alaska—to gain extra educational credits, and she always brought what she learned into her classrooms. Because Betty grew up in a community where children were often underfed, poorly clothed, and without secure housing, she always had deep compassion for her students and a soft spot in her heart for the underdog.

Betty is survived by her husband, Frank Holmes, her daughter, Hiede Holmes, and her grandson, Caleb Holmes (Pardis). She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Betty's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 23rd at the Whitestone Community Church of the Brethren located at 577 Loomis-Oroville Rd, Tonasket, WA. The memorial service will be followed by a carry-in dessert potluck—those joining are invited to bring their favorite dessert and/or their favorite dessert recipe, to be shared with others. Memorials in Betty's name can be made to the Whitestone Church, the Seattle Children's Orthopedic Hospital, or a charity of your choosing. Bergh Funeral Service & Crematory is in care of arrangements.