Elvira Rabenhorst Holmes

Elvira Rabenhorst Holmes 95, of Tucson, passed away on May 15, 2014. She was born to Arthur Rabenhorst and Alma (Natzke) Rabenhorst in Wayside, WI, June 16, 1918. Living in Rosecrans, WI, her family had a small farm with a sawmill and a gravel business. Her independent personality emerged early, learning to drive the gravel truck at the age of 14. After graduating from Denmark (WI) High School in 1936, she worked in banks in Maribel and Green Bay until 1942, when she moved to Milwaukee to attend business school. In 1945, as a single female armed with experience in banking, Elvira moved to Tucson, quickly gaining employment at Tucson Title Insurance Company, where she worked for over 20 years. In 1947, she married Wayne Holmes, and they had two sons. In 1972, single again after divorce, she was employed by the City of Tucson as the first female Right of Way Agent, and continued working for the City until her retirement in 1984. Elvira's retirement years were filled with travel, much of it in a camper all around Arizona. She also visited most other states and took two tours of Europe. Her pride, however, was her family, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Joining the congregation of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church upon her arrival in Tucson, Elvira remained a lifelong member. She frequently expressed gratitude for her religious upbringing, and found great comfort knowing that God was always by her side. She now has her reward in heaven for quietly teaching us all how to live righteously and responsibly. Elvira is survived by her children, Jerry and Donald; her grandchildren, Colin and Cailin and her brother, Arthur Rabenhorst and his family. Graveside Services will be held at South Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Education Fund, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 830 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719. Please visit www.bringfuneralhome.com/obituaries.