Obituary of Mary Holmquist

Mary Holmquist was born on September 8, 1919 and passed away in Lindsborg, Kansas on April 8, 2013 at the age of 93. She was born in Garfield, Kansas, the daughter of John Olson and Minnie Lindblad Olson. She attended school in Garfield and graduated from Garfield High School in 1938. Mary attended Bethany College for one year and then taught school in a one-room schoolhouse near Rozell, Kansas. She returned to Bethany College for a second year and there met Darrel Holmquist. After her second year at Bethany, she taught at a country school near Lewis, Kansas. Mary left teaching during World War II to work at Cessna Aircraft Factory in Wichita and later for Curtiss Wright Aircraft in Columbus, Ohio. When Darrel returned from his tour of duty in Italy in 1945, she went to see him at the Air Force Base in Walla Walla, Washington. They were married there on July 12, 1945. They came home to Smolan, Kansas and lived on the family farm until retirement in 1982 when they moved to Lindsborg, Kansas. To this union were born two children, Thomas and Kristin. Mary returned to school and finally received her degree from Bethany College in 1971. She then taught school in Smolan, Kansas until her retirement in 1983. Mary was preceded in death by her parents John and Minnie Olson, her sister Tureda McGuire, her brother Leonard Olson, and her husband of 65 years Darrel Holmquist. She is survived by her son, Tom and wife Marlysue Holmquist of Smolan, Kansas; her daughter Kristin and husband Preston Ruth of New Hill, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Ryan and John Holmquist, Majkin Holmquist and husband Cody Whetstone, and Kenan Ruth; her brother John and wife Emma Olson of Garfield; and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Mary was a long-time, active member of Salemsborg Lutheran Church. She loved to attend concerts and music contests and never missed one in which her grandchildren performed. She was a magnificent cook and always made the lutefisk, ostkaka, and rye bread for Christmas dinner. What she loved most of all was her grandchildren and being a part of their lives. Visitation will be at Christians Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 with family present from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Salemsborg Lutheran Church, Smolan at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12 with burial immediately following. Memorials may be designated to Salemsborg Lutheran Church in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington PO Box 386 Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com