Holmes, Barbara Ann (Meewes)

Barbara Ann (Meewes) Holmes, 80, of Vinton, died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton after a courageous battle with cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the home of Jeff and Angie Holmes, 705 First Ave., Vinton. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton with the Rev. Jessica Crane-Munoz officiating. Inurnment for Barb and Don will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Vinton, with military rites for Don performed by U.S. Navy Funeral Honors, Great Lakes, Ill.

Barbara was born Jan. 8, 1933, to Leo and Erna Gertrude Esther (Lauterbach) Meewes on the family farm outside of Reinbeck, Iowa. She graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1950. On Dec. 16, 1951, she married Donald K. Holmes at the First Congregational Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Don and Barb had one son, Jeffory, who was born May 29, 1957.

Barbara loved her music. For over three decades she was a member of first the Vinton, then later, the Cedar Rhapsody Sweet Adelines choruses. Sweet Adelines took her all over for shows and competitions, from Kansas City and Minneapolis to Hawaii, New York and London. She also sang for many years with the Vinton Presbyterian Church choir and was a sought-after soloist for weddings and other events all over the area. She was a member of Minor Chord for many years.

She also worked in many places around the Vinton community, including Mossman & Mossman, Vinton Foods, Ervin Motors, Vinton Motor Supply and the Benton County Farm Bureau, until retiring in 1995.

But her favorite one to care for was her grandson, Sage. From the time he was born, they became best friends; he lightened her load and she gave him the gift of music.

Barbara is survived by her son, Jeff; daughter-in-law, Angela; and grandson, Sage, all of Vinton; a sister, Mary Lee Kuttler of Littleton, Colo.; her brother-in-law, Glenn (Freddie) Holmes of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Barbara and her family.

Condolences may be left at .

Published in The Gazette Nov. 12, 2013.