Obituary of Kathleen S. Holmes

ARKPORT: Kathleen S. “Kathy” Holmes, 64, of Ste. Rte. 961f, passed away Monday, March 2, 2020, at Elderwood of Hornell after an extended illness. Kathy was born April 22, 1955 in North Hornell to Stanley J. Saxton and Janice (Hosmer) Russell. On December 31, 1988 in North Hornell she married Gary Holmes who survives and resides in Arkport. Kathy had been employed as a front-end manager for Wegmans Grocery in Geneseo for many years prior to her declining health. She and her husband were members of the Bennetts Creek Bible Church in the town of Canisteo where both were very devoted and active in church functions. Kathy was particularly active in cooking and baking for the church and any area organization in need of fund raising. With a pleasant smile and willing heart, Kathy was always present when needed. She also enjoyed the adventure of yard sale deals and trying her hand on e-bay. Collecting penguin memorabilia was also a passion. No penguin was to big or to small for Kathy’s collection. Attire wise she loved her dress hats to compliment her wardrobe. Kathy was a life-long “outdoors woman” who loved nature and the challenges that hunting offered. No matter what the season Kathy enjoyed the atmosphere that the fellowship of hunting with family and friends had to offer and the many memories that were made. She was also an avid New York Mets and Buffalo Bills Fan. In addition to her husband Gary, Kathy is survived by their son and daughters, Gary Holmes of Arkport, Rhonda (Richard) Farrand of Canisteo and Renae (Donald) Fortuna of North Hornell. Grandchildren Ashley (Jonathan) Tuite and Sharalyn (Ryan) Rice, Natalie and Adrianna Fortuna and great grandchildren, Hunter and Alivian Rice. She is also survived by her mother Janice Russell of Hornell, siblings, Yvonne (Steve) Terwilliger of Cortland, Allen (Rebecca) Saxton of Erie, Pa. and Donna (Mike) Wyant of Arkport. as well as Kathy’s “City Cousin” Darla Diehl of Penfield, best friend Judy Warriner of Arkport and close friend Lorna Guidry of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, nieces and nephews and her favorite pup, Molly. She was predeceased by her father Stanley Saxton and a brother Jay Saxton. The family will receive friends from 2-5 pm Friday, March 6th at the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, Ste. Rte. 248, Canisteo where funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hours at 5:00 pm. Burial will be in Bennetts Creek Cemetery, town of Greenwood. Memorial contributions in Kathy’s name may be made to the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, c/o Gary Calkins, 3740 Ste. Rte. 248, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823.