Wanda Holmes

Wanda Holmes, 87, of Cozad, formerly of Lexington, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

She was born on February 9, 1937, in Fairbury, Nebraska to Charles and Bessie (Hayes) Walbridge. Wanda attended Geneva High School and graduated with the class of 1955. On June 17, 1971, Wanda was united in marriage to Leslie Holmes in Washington, Kansas. The couple lived in many different towns in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. The couple made their home in Cozad.

Wanda spent many years working as a manager for the Hollingsworth Motel in Lexington and often volunteered for Love in Action, sorting clothing and helping families who were in need. Wanda's main job title was being a mother. She spent many years taking care and raising her nine children. As her children grew up, she was able to spend time and care for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was incredibly important to her, so being around her children and watching their families grow was a true blessing for her. Wanda loved being outdoors and spending her afternoons, fishing. She also enjoyed spending a lot of time at the casinos with her husband, playing on the slot machines. She was also known for being an amazing cook and loved making delicious meals for her family.

Those left to celebrate her life, are her beloved husband, Leslie Holmes of Cozad; children, Jo Lynn (Jerry) Rehmert of Beloit, Kansas, Donna (Joe) Schmitt of Beloit, Kansas, Vickie (BK) Klapperich of Cozad, Mitzi (Darwin Bushyhead) Ritter of Kansas City, Missouri, Janell Chrisman of Blue Springs, Missouri, Anthony Holmes of Nebraska, and Leslie Holmes Jr. of Kodak, Tennessee; brother, Gilbert Walbridge of Concordia, Kansas, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her siblings, Dorothy (Bud) Ray, Betty (Bob) Rimpley, Butch (Evelyn) Walbridge, Mary (John) Miloche, Esther (Mike) Westcamp, Albert Walbridge, and Mike Walbridge, as well as her sons, Donald Ritter Jr, and David Holmes, and grandson, Brandon Holmes, son of David and Kris Holmes.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Ken Pitkin, officiating.

Inurnment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com