JANE HOLMES
IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Jane Mitton Gunnell Holmes, age 98,
beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away March 29, 2004 at
her home. She was born January 26, 1906, in Wellsville, Utah, to Ezra
Baxter Gunnell and Mary Thirkell Mitton Gunnell.
As a child she and her family moved to Soda Springs,
Idaho, where they managed a ranch. Some of her fondest memories were while
they lived there, including being chased by a mountain lion and being
bundled up in a horse drawn sleigh to go to school. Later the family returned
to Wellsville, where she attended South Cache High School and loved school
and learning. One of her favorite memories was dancing the night away
at Bear Lake and Ogden. She belonged to a singing group and enjoyed singing
throughout her life.
Jane married Vernon Jesse Holmes June 24, 1936, in the
Logan LDS Temple, for time and all eternity, and served in various callings
for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life.
She and Vernon had the privilege of being temple officiators for two years
before Vernon got sick. Their only regret was not being able to go on
a church mission because of his health. Vernon passed away April 5, 1983.
In 1945 she joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers,
where she served as captain, gave the lessons, and loved learning about
her pioneer heritage for 59 years. She wrote many family histories and
had a love of learning. Wherever she went she would associate with people
who would help her learn. She loved poetry and wrote poems for friends
and each of her grandchildren when they left on their missions, got married
or for other important events in their life. She loved going to musicals
at the Idaho Falls Auditorium with Ramona and the girls after Vernon passed
away, and appreciated greatly their friendship.
Her favorite saying as she got older was "one more
time before I die" as she tried many things after age 75, such as
going down the Alpine Slide in Park City, Utah, going on the Colossus
at Lagoon and traveling to Switzerland and the Holy Land. Thanks to Christy
and Todd of the Idaho Home Health, who so lovingly took care of her and
also to her son, Carl, who devoted his time to stay with her and care
for her.
Jane loved the gospel and treasured her testimony, which
she bore with a beautiful conviction of the truth she knew. She is survived
by her children, Val Dean [Sondra] Holmes, Jane Deane [Grant] Bartschi,
and Vernon Carl Holmes; 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and
her former daughter-in-law, Colleen Vallencour. She was preceded in death
by her husband, Vernon Jesse Holmes, twin sons, Billy and Jesse, a grandchildren,
Vernon, two sisters, Carrie Bailey and Mary Jeppson, and four brothers,
Cyril, Ferrell, Parley, and Alton Gunnell.
Funeral Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April
3, 2004, at the Idaho Falls LDS 7th Ward (955 Memorial) with Bishop David
Holland officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30
to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and on Saturday for one
hour prior to the services at the church.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction
of Wood Funeral Home.