Mary Lou Holmes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Mary Lou Holmes, on August 2, 2024, at the age of 85. She passed away in Overland Park, KS.

Mary Lou was born to Jay Herman Kingsley and Mary Olan Kingsley in Phelps, MO in 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents (Jay Kingsley and Mary Kingsley), brothers (Jay Worley Kingsley and Wendell Kingsley), and nephew (Kaleb Kingsley). She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years (Lyndal Gray Holmes), children (Jay Holmes, Daniel Holmes, and Elizabeth Long), grandchildren (Tate, Samuel, Benjamin, Shaun, Alex, Ashley and Rachel), great grandchild (OakLynn), and nieces and nephews (Kiman, Kaland, Karen, Kevin, Matt, Stan, Pam, Jeff, Kent and Steve).

Mary Lou spent her childhood years in Phelps on “Old Route 66”. She attended many one room country schools as the only one in her class. She learned to drive at the age of seven and could take a tractor to the field by the age of ten. Childhood fun included sledding and biking on Highway 66, swimming in the creek as well as hanging out at the general store and the two gas stations. Mary Lou also had a milk route at an early age, making the family cow her enterprise.

She attended Miller High School where she played in the band and was a cheerleader. At the age of sixteen she graduated as the salutatorian and represented her community at the Missouri Girl’s State. Mary Lou went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University where she majored in Spanish and English. College introduced her to a telephone as well as an indoor bathroom. During college she received scholarships from the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. Each summer for six years, Mary Lou would drive the 1500 miles to Guanajuato to study and live. She also spent a year as an international translator for the mayor of Guanajuato.

After graduating from college, Mary Lou taught junior high/high school Spanish and English in both Missouri and Kansas. She ultimately earned a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Mary Lou married Lyndal Gray Holmes in 1964. They met on Lyndal’s first day of first grade. Lyndal, was sent to Vietnam so for for three years, she was a tough army wife with a newborn son, Jay. In 1970, she gave birth to twins, Daniel and Elizabeth. She excelled at running a house, being a mother, attending graduate school as well as holding down a full-time job.

Her interests included many things. She was not afraid to tackle any home improvement project. She even became a landlord for a few years fixing up her houses. She loved tending to her flowers, dancing, stick-shift cars, and playing the organ. Mary Lou also believed in giving back. She delivered “meals on wheels” for many years and helped organize monthly birthday parties at nursing homes.

She devoted a large part of her adult life to developing her relationship with God. Mary Lou attended church, schools, retreats and studied with learned teachers to optimize her walk with God.

Mary Lou will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Rest in peace our dear wife and mother.

Funeral Service will be held on August 17, 2024, at 11am at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home 14275 S Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062

Graveside Service will be held on August 20, 2024, at 11 am at the Miller Memorial Gardens Cemetery 5687 Lawrence, Miller, MO 65707 followed by a celebration of life reception at the Hangar Kafe 3103 Lawrence, Miller, MO 65707

To share a memory of Mary Lou or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.