Ruth Lorraine Holmes, 81, passed away on October 11, 2007, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Ruth, daughter of Ingvald H. and Albina Doucet Fossum, was born on September 11, 1926, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. She was crowned the very first Miss Thief River Falls in 1945.

Visitation will be at Ruths house from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Halloween, October 31, Ruths favorite holiday. A memorial service will be held Nov. 1, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, followed by the interment at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will be greeting friends at home after the ceremonies.

Ruth first attended college in Great Falls, Montana, and then transferred to the University of Minnesota where she majored in English. She married Dr. Harold J. Holmes and lived in the Midwest raising five children until she returned to Thief River Falls in 1972 to live in the Fossum family home. The house was built in 1907 for her grandparents, Thorgrim (Tom) and Eliza Froslie Fossum, by Tom's brother-in-law, Ole Moen, a contractor from St. Paul. Her father, Ingvald, had also lived there after Albinas death.

Ruth was proud of the grand old home with its beautiful birch floors and woodwork, which she lovingly restored. This house inspired Ruth who had a life-long passion for writing that included poetry, short stories, and childrens books: I am the warden of this house / and the turnkey of many doors.

Ruth was also an avid gardener and grew vegetables and babys breath in her grandmothers garden. She served for many years as president of the Campanula Garden Club. In addition, she was a voracious reader, with a special interest in mystery fiction. Sewing was another hobby Ruth enjoyed, especially making stuffed animals and dolls for her grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death this year by her brother, Glenn V. Fossum, and her cousin, Richard A. Fossum; and in former years by her parents; husband; son, Harold (Hal) F. Holmes; mother-in-law, Hannah Holmes Blackwood; brother-in-law, Norman Jacobson; aunt, Huldah Fossum; uncle, Alexander (Allie) Fossum; and uncle, Ted Doucet.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Bruce J. (Connie) Holmes, Williamsburg, VA; daughter, Kerry Katherine (Guy) Porter, Kaneohe, HI; daughter, Barbara Ann (Col/RET Thomas) Woosley, Yantis, TX; son, Andrew Holmes, Seattle, WA; brother-and-sister-in-law, Alden and Lois Holmes, Warba, MN; sister-in-law, Audrey Jacobson, Redondo Beach, CA; sister-in-law, Janet Fossum, Williams, MN; cousin-in-law, Rosemary Fossum, Helena, MT; and her grandchildren, Leif Meneke, Dr. Bryan Holmes, Matthew Holmes, Alexis Wicklander, and Addison Arquette; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the following: Minnesota Horticultural Society, 1755 Prior Avenue, Falcon Heights, Minnesota 55113-5549; the American Stroke Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate, 208 South LaSalle St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL. 60604 (or online at www.strokeassociation.org).