Myrtle E. Holmes

Westernville- Myrtle E. Holmes, 89, widow of Elmer, longtime resident of Tannery Road, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on February 19, 2016 at St. Luke's Hospital, New Hartford. Myrtle was born on February 26, 1926 a daughter of William L. and Clara J. Nieman Williams. She grew up in the Steuben and Westernville areas, where she attended a one room school house on Carmichael Hill, before graduating from Holland Patent High School with the Class of 1946. Following graduation she was employed for the Olney and Floyd Canning Factory, Lee Center. On January 12, 1946 Myrtle was united in marriage with Elmer A. Holmes at the Westernville Presbyterian Manse. The couple settled on Tannery Road in 1948. Mr. Holmes, a WWII veteran and employee of Rome Cable, passed away on April 13, 1968. Following the unexpected death of her husband, Myrtle dedicated her life to her children, and raised them in a loving home. For over 20 years Myrtle was employed as a correctional officer for the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, Oriskany, until her retirement in 1992. For a time she served as the Town of Western Tax Collector as well as on the election board. She was also a member of Friends of the Library. Myrtle enjoyed quilting and was a wonderful cook and baker. She was proud this past year of winning first place in the Pamona Grange Zucchini Bread Baking Contest. She was a very active member of both the Steuben and Pamona Grange. Mrs. Holmes was a very devout member of the Westernville Presbyterian Church, where she served as deacon, and volunteered her time on church dinners. Myrtle very much looked forward to and loved her weekly chats with her special nieces Donna and Laura. She is survived by her children: Cindy Holmes, North Western, Daryl Holmes, Rome, and Douglas (Dawn) Holmes, Westernville; grandchildren Chad, Daniel and Heather, her brothers Roger Williams, Old Forge, and Spencer (Stella) Williams, Verona, many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends Janet Jacob and Shirley Hughes, and her cat "Nippy." Besides her husband she was predeceased by her sister Ruth Rogers. Funeral services will be held at the Westernville Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Interment in the spring will be held in the Westernville Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Westernville Presbyterian Church, 7696 Stokes Westernville Road, Westernville, New York 13486.