Obituary of Thelma Holmquist

Thelma "Jo" Holmquist, 91, of Lindsborg passed away September 17, 2011. Jo was a Navy veteran of World War II, lifelong lover of jazz, and an irreplaceable mother, grandmother and friend. Jo was born February 23, 1920 to George Melvin and Amanda (Miller) Bilbrey in Smithville, Arkansas. After returning home from the war she met and married Evan W. Holmquist of Smolan on July 27, 1946. Jo was a devoted member of Salemsborg Lutheran Church. She retired in 1985 from St. John's hospital where she worked as a switchboard operator and earned the nickname "Sister Jo" for her kindness and lively spirit. She moved from Smolan to Lindsborg in 1997. Jo is survived by her son, Terry Allen (wife Rebecca D.) Holmquist of Topeka, and daughter Paula Beth (Holmquist) Allmon of McPherson, and her grandchildren, Gregory Allen Holmquist of Topeka, Christopher Evan Holmquist of Lawrence, and Ashley Joanna Allmon of McPherson. She was preceded in death by her husband Evan, and her siblings George Riley Bilbrey, Paul M. Bilbrey, and Opal Elizabeth (Bilbrey) Barron. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. with family present from 6-7 p.m., at Christians Funeral Home in Lindsborg. Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Salemsborg Lutheran Church; burial will follow at Salemsborg Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be designated for Salemsborg Lutheran Church Memorial Day Fund in care of Christian Funeral Home, 103 N Washington, P.O. Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com.