Mary Ellen “Ellie” Holmes, 73

Mary Ellen “Ellie” Holmes, 73, of Kearney passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at her home with her adoring family by her side.
Graveside Christian Burial Rites will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Greeley, Nebraska. Father Mark Maresh will preside. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. T.J. Finn and Sons of Greeley is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
Mary Ellen was born June 27, 1951, at Greeley, Nebraska to Edward Joseph and Mary Florence (McQuillan) Finn. She was raised in Greeley and graduated from Sacred Heart High School.
While in high school, Ellie met the love of her life, Terry Holmes. The couple was united in marriage on October 17, 1970, at Ord, Nebraska. They made their first home in Ord, then moved to North Loup in 1970, and settled in Kearney in 1982. Ellie operated a day-care business for most of her life and retired in 2011.
Throughout her life, Ellie’s greatest joy was her family. The Holmes’s family began on Valentine’s Day of 1971 when they welcomed their little sweet heart, Terrance. In 1974, David was born, and Ellie adored his beautiful red curls. Ellie’s dream came true in 1982, when a dark hair and blue-eyed baby, Sara entered the world, followed by an unexpected joy in 1986, when Katherine was born.
Ellie’s life revolved around caring for her babies and children, earning her the moniker of the baby whisperer. Everyone who came into her home was treated like family. Ellie’s eyes never sparkled more than when she saw the faces of her seven beloved grandchildren, Quinn, Breck, Madelyn, Hannah, Tucker Rosemary and Marigold. Her light and love will always remain bright to all who knew her.
She was a member of the Scotia Auxiliary and enjoyed crafting, canning and sewing.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years, Terry of Kearney; two sons and daughters-in-law, Terrance and Angela Holmes of Kearney and David and Page Holmes of LaCenter, Washington; two daughters, Sara Holmes and Amirfarrokh Iranitalab of Lincoln and Katherine Holmes of Kearney; seven grandchildren; and six sisters, Jane Burrows of Sutherland, Ann Finn of Gulfport, Mississippi, Maureen Finn, Margaret Freeman, Francis Kerrigan all of Greeley, and Nella Bloom of Aurora.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tim, Mike and John Finn; and a beloved niece, Amanda Johnson.