Berniece Elizabeth Holton

Berniece Elizabeth Holton, 83, of Caldwell, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, at the Alzheimer´s Unit of Autumn Wind Assisted Living. Berniece and her three sons and families would very much like to thank the staff of Autumn Wind and her extended family and friends for their love and support through this most difficult time. A private family graveside service will be held. A celebration service of a life well lived will be held Friday, Sept. 1, 3 p.m., at Greenleaf Friends Church, Greenleaf with Pastor Steve Fine officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Berniece was born to Henry and Bettie Jansen on Feb. 19, 1922 at Rice, Kansas. Except for the death of her older brother on her ninth birthday, she spent an idyllic childhood growing up farming with her family, working with teams of horses, and learning to drive a ´26 Chevy at the age of 10. She became very close to her father after her brother´s death learning to shoot and work on farm equipment at his side. She formally finished her education graduating from the eighth grade with honors from Huscher School, as there was no high school in the area. The lack of a high school education bothered her all her life. As a result, she was insistent that her sons pursue their education wherever it might take them. She married Charles H. Holton of Huscher, Kan., on Feb. 19, 1941. Charles asked her out on their first date while she was greasing a plow. They farmed together in the Huscher community for 12 years. During these farming years in Kansas her sons Stan and John were born.Ê In 1953 the family moved to Greenleaf, Idaho, where they became partners with Mert and Dorothy Trost in Greenleaf Produce. It was during this time that the Greenleaf Friends Church, Academy and community became an integral part of Berniece and her family´s lives. In their early years at Greenleaf their third son Brad was born. She had been a member of the church for more than 50 plus years serving on various boards and committees. Seeing it as a mission, she was a long-standing leader and member of the funeral committee helping serve meals to numerous families over the years. She and Charles conducted a home Bible study in their home for many years. In 1958 at the age of 40, Charles started college at George Fox in Newberg, Ore. It was a joint accomplishment made possible by Berniece´s unwavering support and working odd jobs that Charles eventually achieved his bachelor degree and master´s degree from the College of Idaho. Berniece lead a life of service to her Lord, family, friends and community.Ê Many considered her a best friend and surrogate mother.Ê At anytime her home was open and welcoming to guests and the coffee pot was always on. Her cooking was renowned to both family and friends and to this day many still talk of their favorite dishes. Organizing and serving large sit-down dinners for family or friends gave her great pleasure and satisfaction. Being a meticulous seamstress, she enjoyed sewing of any type but especially crewelwork and quilting.Ê Each of her grandchildren received a personalized quilt.Ê Her love and dedication to her family was a priority in her life and her sons and their families were continually on her mind and prayer list.Ê As a leader of a prayer chain for many years, she was a prayer warrior continually and quietly working behind the scenes of her immediate and church families. She is survived by her three sons and their wives:Ê Stan and Ann Holton of Boise, John and Linda Holton of Caldwell, and Brad and Laura Holton of Greenleaf; six of her life´s greatest rewards were her six grandchildren: three granddaughters, Kaycee (Ryan) Porter, Meghan Holton, and Jennifer (Rob) Willoughby; and three Holton grandsons, Chad, Nathan, and Matthew (Tessa); and one great-grandchild, Greysen Charles Porter. She is further survived by three sister-in-laws: Florence Holton, Dorothy Holton, and Betty (Cecil) McIndoo, and one brother-in-law, John Holton. She is held in fond memory and loving regard by numerous nieces and nephews from Kansas to Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, a brother, and two sisters. The family suggests memorials be made to the Greenleaf Friends Church or flowers may be sent.