Lee Ann Holmes

Lee Ann Holmes

February 3, 1953 – February 9, 2026

Lee Ann Holmes of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 73. Born February 3, 1953, in New Castle, Indiana, she was the daughter of Commodore Lee and Phyllis June (Gossage) Fernander.

As remembered by family and friends, Lee Ann's working life began with babysitting for 35 cents an hour, followed by waitressing, then working at the RCA warehouse. She later worked on the assembly line building Philco refrigerators at Ford's Connersville Climate Control Plant in Connersville, Indiana. Lee Ann continued her career at Ford, entering the trades, becoming the first woman apprentice electrician in the state of Indiana. She went on to earn her journeyman electrician's license and was a proud member of the IBEW.

In 1981, Lee Ann entered into a lifelong contract when she married Orville. Through perseverance and patience, found the love of her life. She made the move to Michigan "where the lilacs come later in the spring" to be a homemaker, raising their children in Eaton Rapids.

Later in life, she returned to a long-held interest in electronics, working at Wal-Mart in the electronics department. She specialized in setting up cellphone contracts and helping people program their phones, an ever-challenging occupation she approached with the attention to detail she was known for throughout her many endeavors.

Lee Ann was involved in her community, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was exceptionally talented and handy, with no project too large or intimidating to tackle. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, embroidery, carpentry, electronics, puzzles, computer programming and gaming among other creative pursuits, that showcased her remarkable abilities.

She was preceded in death by beloved grandparents, Willard and Retta Gossage, her example to a loving marriage; her great-grandmother, Sally Ramsey who helped Lee Ann develop attention to detail into lifelong skills like sewing and crocheting; her best friends and collaborators, sisters, Marie Holcomb and Roxanne Boatman; father, Lee Fernander; and many cherished elders, relatives, and friends who shared life lessons that shaped her into the woman she became. She now joins Great Aunt Lois and others who were waiting for her to catch up.

She is survived by her loving mother, Phyllis Fernander, who taught her endless life skills and how to survive with less than the bare minimum; her devoted husband, Orville James Holmes; her cherished children, Leeland Bert Holmes, Anna Lin (Colin) McClain and James Paul Holmes; her beloved granddaughter, Leala Nichole Williams; her sisters, Linda Catron and Nina Williams; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

In keeping with Lee Ann's wishes, no funeral services will be held in Michigan at this time. There will be a Celebration of Life held in her hometown, New Castle, IN at the Henry County Memorial Park: W. G. Smith Building on May 3rd. Those wishing to share memories or leave online condolences may do so at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.