COLUMBUS
Clara Showalter Holmes, 88, of Columbus, IN, formerly of Pendleton and Bracken Counties, KY, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at her home. Born in Bracken County on June 2, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Jesse and Fannie Moreland Showalter.
After graduating from Bracken County High School, she worked at the First National Bank of Falmouth and at NCR in Dayton before attending Eastern Kentucky University.
On June 4, 1955, she and Ernest Lee Holmes were married in the Oakland Christian Church, Pendleton County, where they were lifelong members. Together they embarked on life’s journey, traveling with his service in the U.S. Army and a corporate aviation career with Continental Express Airlines, raising their three children, moving back to their Kentucky roots, spoiling their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking care of and enjoying family and friends, and living their faith every day.
After 57 years of marriage, Ernest Lee preceded her in death on July 25, 2012. After several years, Clara moved to Columbus, IN -her 27th move. With her wonderful personality and outgoing nature, Clara bloomed wherever she was planted.
A highly committed and capable volunteer, Clara found ways to engage in each of her communities. She loved Girl Scouting and led troops at Fort Bragg NC, Fort Leavenworth and Manhattan KS, and in Tehran, Iran.
Clara was an accomplished pianist and organist and used these talents at every opportunity. At Ft. Bragg, Clara played the organ for chapel services and hosted a weekly Sunday lunch for the chaplain assistants longing for a home cooked meal. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ at her various church homes and with the Gospel Lights Quartet.
In Falmouth, Clara was active for 20 years with the Town and Country Homemakers organization at local, county, and state levels and was recognized with its “Go Getter” Award.
Being named a Kentucky Colonel in 2016 was a highlight for Clara to be recognized for her lifetime commitment to giving back.
She is survived by three children blessed to have her as their mother: Lu Ann Holmes of Lexington, KY, Lisa (Mark) LeSuer of Crescent Springs, KY, and Todd (Joyce) Holmes of Columbus, IN; 4 grandchildren: Andrea (Joseph) Pimentel, Brandon Tungett, Justin (Amanda) Holmes, and Jesseca LeSuer; 6 great-grandchildren: Abriana Aguayo, Sophia Aguayo, Ava Aguayo, Amelia Holmes, Andrew “Andy” Holmes, and Archer “Archie” Holmes; her sister, Hazel (Melvin) Ramsey of Neave; her sister-in-law, Charlotte (Charlie) Whaley of Falmouth; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Woodhead Funeral Home, Falmouth. The visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 at the funeral home on Saturday preceding her service. Interment will take place in the Showalter Family Cemetery, Bracken County.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Oakland Christian Church (Missions), 149 Oakland Church Road, Falmouth KY 41040 or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 East 17th Street, Columbus IN 47201
A Memorial Gathering will be celebrated at East Columbus Christian Church, Columbus IN on December 11 beginning at noon.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodheadfuneralhome.com
