Betty Kester Holmer

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Betty Holmer Obituary

Holmer, Betty Kester, 90, homemaker, passed away Sat., Dec. 12, 2009. Services will be at St. James Episcopal Church, date and time to be announced. Mrs. Holmer was born in Lawrence, KS, on July 24, 1919, the daughter of Frederick E. and Tamar (Whitmyre) Kester. She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from University of Kansas in 1940 where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After graduation, she was a social worker for both Jefferson and Douglas County. During WWII, she worked at the Sunflower Ordnance Works in DeSoto, KS, as secretary of the chief government chemist while her husband served in the Pacific in the Navy Air Corp. In the past, Mrs. Holmer has been active in the Episcopal Church, her sorority alumna group, and the Wichita State University Women's Association (formerly Dames). She was serving as president of the WSU Dames in 1970-71, the year of the football team plane crash. She was also a charter member of the Present Day Club and on the board of the Friends of the Wichita Public Library. In 1976, Mrs. Holmer published a booklet of zucchini recipes named the Zucchini Collectionthat was successful locally as well as across the country. The collection was the result of her husband's bountiful garden. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Robert Holmer, Professor Emeritus of WSU. Survivors: sons and daughters-in-law, Martin and Jo of Washington, DC; Chris and Jan of Lawrence, KS; Bruce and Rana of Belmont, CA; brother and wife, William and Carol Kester of St. Louis; and four grandchildren. Memorials to Episcopal Social Services at Venture House, 1005 E. 2nd St. North, Wichita, KS 67214 and Wichita State University Foundation, Betty Holmer Library Fund, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com.

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Published by Wichita Eagle on Dec. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Holmer

7 Entries

January 9, 2010

Although I had seen her at various campus functions, I first met Betty when she was in Ablah Library researching for a presentation to the Present Day Club. During that encounter I casually mentioned working with her was much more enjoyable than cutting budgets. A few weeks later, Betty contacted the WSU Foundation to discuss how she could best support the library. The result was several generous donations that helped the University Libraries purchase electronic journal and document packages for our students and faculty. Last year these packages were used over 55,000 times with over 77,000 full-text articles downloaded. What a legacy! What a lady! My deepest sympathies are extended to her family members. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to spend even such a brief time with her.
Kathy Downes
Associate Dean of University Libraries

Blanche Parker

January 8, 2010

Betty was certainly a gracious lady.
When she and Bob hosted St. James' Supper Club, it was certainly one of the most enjoyable.

Martie Mullen Holmer

December 19, 2009

I had heard of Betty years before I met her. She and my mother shared a hometown, and were both children of University of Kansas professors; they lived within a few blocks of one another in a lovely old part of Lawrence. Betty was somewhat younger than my mother, so I’d heard of the whole family from my aunts and uncles, who used to tell of all the things the neighborhood kids used to do.

Years later, I would meet Betty, as Martin’s mother. And then began a long friendship which endured the changes in our lives, and remained strong and close always. She never forgot my birthday, always insisted that ‘she call me back’ if I called her, so as not to pay for the call. She sent flowers for special occasions, and always a lovely postcard from her many trips. There were many interesting links between the Holmer and Mullen families. Betty and I shared my cousin Don and his mother, my aunt Molly Holmer- who was my father’s sister. Molly and Betty were close, and kept the Swedish traditions going each season. Betty also was close to my grandmother Mullen, who lived in Wichita at the end of her life. Betty’s sister-in-law Mildred Holmer Kronfeld and I were also close. So, Betty was a link, and we kept each other up to date on the extended family.

About five years ago Betty sighed, ‘Martie, I don’t think I’ll ever see you again, because our lives just don’t put us in the same place at the same time.’ I was so touched by this, in August of 2006, I was able to finally make it to Kansas and visit Betty. My father had passed in 1999, and eventually a large scrapbook was found of his high-school years in Marion, an hour from Wichita. I organized a trip to take the book back to Marion Historical Society – and to visit Betty. I was amazed to see her looking so beautiful, with the same perfect skin. Her home was as it always had been, appointed perfectly with her lovingly saved heirlooms. It was a special visit. Betty was a special person in my life, and I will continue to remember all the wonderful conversations we had, and all her thoughtfulness and love.

My condolences to Martin, Chris and Bruce and famlies.

December 17, 2009

I have known Betty since my husband Martin & I moved to Wichita in 1965. At that time Bob was still alive & we enjoyed the company of both of them. Betty loved to travel & always had such wonderful experiences to relate to the rest of us. She was a kind and gentle woman. I worked with her in the WSU Women's Association & in the Present Day Club. Martin joins me in expressing our sympathy to Bruce, Martin & Chris & their families. May the many memories of your Mom comfort you. I will miss her.
Donna Perline (Wichita, KS)

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December 16, 2009

We lived next door in the mid-sixties and we were the recepients of a lot of zucchini and recipes that have become favorites through the years.
Betty was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word. We'll never forget her graciousness, helpfulness and thoughtfulness. She was always encouraging to our children with their endeavours, whether scouts, piano lessons, etc.

Martin, Chris and Bruce you were so fortunate to have such a mother and we loved having her as a neighbor. May God grant you peace and comfort.

Keith & Ilene Miers

Pam Chamberlin

December 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the boys and their families. Betty was such a gracious and memorable friend.

December 14, 2009

I was privileged to work with Betty in the Wichita State University Women's Association and found her to be a wonderful lady! She always took the time to talk to everyone and make them feel special. I will cherish the time that I spent just being in her presence! She was a woman of wisdom and grace. She will be missed by so many. My deepest sympathy is express to her entire family in their hour of bereavement. May God Bless and keep you in His care!

With Love,
Martha Lewis, Director
TRIO Disability Support Services
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount
Wichita, KS 67260-0145

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