Ilene Holmes

Ilene Holmes, 98, of Winterset passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Cedar Ridge Village in West Des Moines.

Ilene was born June 25, 1927 to Chick and Lenore (Fredrickson) Ruth. She was a lifelong resident of Madison County, graduating from Winterset High School in 1944.

Over the years, Ilene worked at Bankers Life in Des Moines, the abstract office in Winterset, and kept books for her husband’s electrical business.

On May 18, 1947, she was united in marriage to Mike Holmes, and together they raised two children, Steve and Becky. Known for her great sense of humor and kind spirit, Ilene was a loving wife and mother.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Winterset, the Order of the Eastern Star, and served as a trustee of the Winterset Public Library. She was also active in various social clubs. In her free time, Ilene liked playing in bridge groups, other card games, sewing, genealogy, and working jigsaw puzzles.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, Chick and Lenore, her husband, Mike, and her brother, Hugh. She is survived by her children and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Winterset, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Winterset Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Madison County Health Trust or Friends of the Winterset Public Library.