Virginia M. Holt

Virginia M. Holt Battle Creek Virginia M. Holt, age 83, died on Monday, September 27, 2010 at Lifespan Hospice Residence in the loving care of her family and the Hospice staff. Virginia was born on October 20, 1926 in Norton Township, Michigan. She was the daughter of H. Lester and Elsie W. (Martin) Baines. She came to Battle Creek as a young woman from the Muskegon area and has lived here since. During WWII Virginia worked at Percy Jones Hospital. As she walked to work mornings she passed John Harvey Kellogg regularly and exchanged a "Good Morning!" with him. She served meals to now Senators Hart, Dole, and Inoyue while they were patients at Percy Jones. She later worked at the former Postview Bar and Lounge across from Post, and Briggs Drug Store near Percy Jones. While working at Postview, she served a young man by the name of James L. Holt. They caught each others eye and on June 5, 1956 the couple were married in Angola, Indiana. Jim was trucking and left the wedding to continue his route and Virginia returned home to await his return! Virginia was a "stay at home mom" after their children Michael and Leanor were born. As the children grew older she took on part time work. One of her jobs was as a Crossing Guard for Harper Creek Community Schools. Virginia would tell of the day "she held up a Brinks Truck!" as part of her duties! She also was an accomplished seamstress and at her home created custom slipcovers and draperies for Sears Custom Drapery Department. She sewed her family's clothing with joy and love. Virginia was a member of the PTA and was never afraid to speak up when she thought something could be done better for the children. Virginia liked to join husband Jim on truck trips after the children were grown. Her sense of humor was evident when she would smoke Jim's pipe as they drove through downtowns, inviting a fair share of gawking! She enjoyed the occasional ride in the sidecar of brother Bob's Harley-Davidson. She liked to garden and made memorable salt pickles, homemade sauerkraut and wine of different types, some heartier than others! Her family was the love of her life. When daughter Leanor brought her baby son Michael by in a stroller one day Leanor remarked to her mother "have you ever seen a more beautiful baby?" Virginia's answer to her daughter was "of course, it was you!". But Michael was her only grandchild and quickly moved to the top of Grandma's family pyramid. Surviving are her husband Jim; daughter Leanor A. Brooker, and grandson Michael (Kara) Brooker all of Battle Creek; 3 brothers Joe (Joyce) Baines of Climax, Robert (Joan) Baines of Hastings and Bruce Baines of Battle Creek; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Michael Dean Holt in 1973, her parents, and son-in-law Steve Brooker. Visitation was held at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 723 US27 North, Marshall on Thursday. Services at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services today, Friday, Oct. 1, at 2p.m. with Rev. James Codde officiating. Cremation will follow services. A fellowship will follow services in the funeral home's reception hall. Memorials may be directed to Lifespan Hospice. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home. To leave a personal message for the family visit www.kempfuneralhome.com.