Phyllis Anne Hunger Holmes of Springfield died on September 8, 2021 at the age of 95. Born in Burlington, Iowa, on April 6, 1926, to Walter Oscar Hunger and Mina Anna Elise (Timmerman) Hunger, she was the second of two children including her sister, Bernice, who predeceased her. Her husband of 64 years and love of her life was David Reed Holmes, MD, who preceded her in death in 2013.
She is survived by her four children, Dr. Nancy Holmes (Arthur Kramer) of St. Louis, Dr. Thomas Holmes of Kansas City, Robert Holmes (Jane Brown) of Ouray, Colorado, and Dr. William Holmes (Linda Virdon) of Springfield. She leaves nine grandchildren - Melanie Kramer (Dan McFarlane), Dr. Carl Kramer ( Megan), Dr. Tiffany Holmes Paulsen (Jeff), Trenton Holmes (Roxie) Trisha Holmes Maisch, Eli Holmes, Shannon Cottey Merced, Dr. Brett Holmes (Jodie), and Michelle Holmes Viles (Nick), as well as eleven great-grandchildren - William McFarlane, James McFarlane, Ashley Paulsen, Caroline Maisch, Cole Maisch, Roberto Merced, Chloe Merced, Ashton Isbell, Savannah Holmes, Harper Holmes, and Ella Viles. Her extended family includes many beloved nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her sister Bernice's son, Henry B. Jameson (Lynn) of Granbury, Texas.
A graduate of Burlington High School (1944) and Washington University School of Nursing (1947), she joined the Army Nurse Corps as a Cadet Nurse during college but was never called up since WWll ended prior to her graduation. Over the years she worked as a research nurse, a hospital nurse including being head nurse of Labor and Delivery at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, David's office nurse, and head nurse in Student Health for both Drury and SMS (now MSU).
Being married to an OBGYN meant that the family consistency fell on her shoulders since "babies come when they will." Consequently, she always made it to the sporting events, the concerts, the youth group meetings, scouting events, graduations, etc., cheering and encouraging with enthusiasm. "Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm" was posted on the refrigerator door for years and was her motto. Over the years she led Bluebirds, Cub Scouts, and ran the Senior High Youth Group at Covenant Presbyterian Church. At church, she was one of the first female Elders serving in the Session for several terms, was a Deacon, was on the Building Commission for decades, and sang in the choir for forty years. Although a member of Covenant for 55 years, she recently transferred to Trinity Presbyterian Church. A member of PEO, the Alpha Chi Omega Alumni group, several bridge groups, an art group, and a dance club, she had friends all over town. If allowed, she would travel at the drop of a hat and led David on multiple trips to at least 85 countries. Visiting Austria to see her "other" son, Herb Jobstl, his wife Gerti, and daughter Birgit was a highlight. Herb, who had lived with the family as an AFS student for a year, remains an affectionate part of the family. A life long learner, she read voraciously, was a genealogist, had been working on learning Spanish, and had taken various Great Courses. Keeping up on her reading through audiobooks was made possible by her "other" daughter, Kay Church, so that she could achieve 8-9 hours of reading per day, her passion.
Family meant big celebrations with Phyllis orchestrating dinners, decorations, presents, and lots of fun things to do. Summer weekends were often spent at the lake swimming, boating, talking, and eating. Christmas brought out beautiful decorations, two trees, handmade stockings, presents for everyone, homemade cookies and schnitzbrot, and a fabulous dinner.
Known for her energy, enthusiasm, quick wit, common sense, and great love for her family, she will be greatly missed.
A special thank you to all of her friends at The Waterford for the friendship and support and the staff at Elfindale, especially Sister Carol.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield at a later date in the spring.
Memorials may be sent to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, Trinity Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be done at www.gormanscharpf.com.