11 October 2018 (Note: I had to reupload this file, so it is out of order, but I'm grateful to revisit my memories of my small and wonderful friend. she had no idea how she influenced me at the time).
Sister Holman was a tiny stick of dynamite in the Rexburg LDS Temple. She was petite and her smile was perfect. I had to give her a hug each time I saw her. She had the fire of real testimony.
Oddly enough, the other night she came into my dream. I wonder why, but then, she truly loved people. Perhaps it was just because she was connecting to those that had come to Rexburg's Temple and had always wondered how she could help them. I was blessed enough to be among those she touched. I felt a deep connection to her the first time I saw her - she had such a vibrant light about her. What's not to love? I didn't even know at the time that I had served with her daughter, Susan, in our local ward (church house) when my young family lived in Rexburg. It was a blessing that Susan is just like her mother. Lot's of smiles and love for people.
A little over a month ago, Sister Holman stepped beyond the veil, graduating from this life with honors to return home to rejoice that she had completed her mission on Earth.
Here is her obituary:
Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend Nina Joy Olson Holman passed away peacefully at her home in Rexburg, Idaho on September 8, 2018, returning to her Heavenly Father. Her family was given the tender mercy of being able to bid a loving farewell to this remarkable woman of faith. When asked what she wanted to be remembered for she responded, “love and my testimony.”
She met the love of her life, Garth Rider Holman, in 1946 at a dance, while attending Ricks College. They were married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on November 24, 1948. She trained professionally in vocal music prior to her marriage and gave up fame and fortune to have a family, but she shared her love of music with her children.
She left a rich legacy of love, service, compassion, and faith for her posterity and friends to emulate. Her greatest joy was found in her family, serving others, sharing her joy of life, and her love of the Savior and the gospel that radiated from her countenance.
She taught elementary school for over 35 years and received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Rigby School District in 1989. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served two missions in Nauvoo: one with her husband; after his death, the second with another senior missionary sister. She served in both the Idaho Falls Idaho and Rexburg Idaho temples for years until a few months before her death.
She was preceded in death by her beloved
eternal companion, Garth, two grandchildren Nicole Strickland and Ashley
Cazier, and great-granddaughter Alexandra Hilton. The family takes great solace
in knowing that she has returned to her husband’s loving arms. Also preceding
her death were five sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her children
Gerald Garth Holman (Lynelle) of Draper, Utah; Karen Joy Strickland (Michael)
of Richland, Washington; Susan Kay Hammond (Rocky) of Rexburg, Idaho; Julie
Cazier (David) of West Valley City, Utah; Diane Elmer (Dan) of El Cajon, California;
J. Scott Holman (Hilda) of Gilbert, Arizona; and Colette Winward (Kirk) of Salt
Lake City, Utah; along with 68 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and her
younger sisters Betty Rae Olson Stucki (Delos) and Sharyn June Olson Johnson
(Kim).The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many
dedicated health professionals who treated her with great compassion, skill,
and dignity and to the many friends who gave their loving support.
Viewings will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at the Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N 100 E, Rexburg, Idaho and prior to her funeral from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2018, at the Rexburg Center Stake Center, 590 Summerwood Drive, Rexburg, Idaho. Her funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m.
***
Life is full of miracles, great and small. Our life touches others for good. Focusing on Christ is (or should be) the goal of every mortal. It is only through him that we can be who we are meant to be and return to him - with honor.
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