Evelyn Lillian Messer Holmes

Evelyn Lillian Messer Holmes, age 103, of Salina, KS, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. She was born on June 13, 1922, in Joplin, MO to Alonzo E Messer and Alma G Baker.

Evelyn married Robert E. Hervey on August 5, 1938, in San Diego, CA, and they welcomed their daughter, Rosalie, before divorcing in 1941. On October 3, 1942, she married Master Sergeant Wallace M Holmes, Jr. of Barnstable, MA, in San Diego. Their son, Wallace M Holmes, III, was born from this union, and Wallace later adopted Rosalie. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and son. Her daughter, Rosalie, passed away within five hours of Evelyn.

Evelyn lived a remarkably full life spanning more than a century. As a child, she worked alongside her mother and brother in Southern California fields. During WWII, she contributed to the war effort making sandwiches for ship builders in the San Diego Navy yards. Through her marriage to Wallace, she experienced life around the world, living in Japan, Germany, and throughout the United States. Germany held a special place in her heart. After retirement, Evelyn and Wallace traveled extensively across the US in their motor home with their beloved dogs, spending winters in Quartzsite, AZ.

She is survived by seven grandchildren: Cassandra Warner of West Valley City, UT; Deborah Holmes of Salina, KS; Rebecca Burrows of MO; Rosemarie Walter (Brent) of Salina, KS; Christina Christensen (Jerry) of St George, UT; Jerry Warner of Riverton, UT; and Wallace M Holmes, IV of Salina, KS, along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

As per her request, there will be no funeral services. Her ashes, along with those of her husband and dogs, will be spread in Quartzsite, AZ, where they most enjoyed life.

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