Elaine Mavis Holmes

Elaine Mavis Holmes, age 81, of Corvallis died Saturday, November 16, 2024. Elaine was born on June 8th, 1943 in Breckenridge, MN to Arthur and Catherine Paulson of Mantador, ND. She was raised on a family farm and in 1961 graduated high school from St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, ND. After graduation she moved with her older sister Monica first to Minneapolis and then to San Francisco. In April of 1968, Elaine and her roommate Anita went out to a bar, The Griffin, in the Marina District of San Francisco. It was the bartender (Paul Lee) who introduced them to two young men, Al Holmes and Tom Woodnutt. And so began the start of two marriages and lifelong friends. Al and Elaine were married on May 31st 1969. In 1972 they welcomed their son, Chris, into the world. Three years later they were blessed with their first daughter, Cathy. They moved their young family to Oregon in 1976 and were blessed with their second daughter Sarah in 1978. In 1982 they settled outside of Corvallis. For their 20th wedding anniversary in 1989 they bought a lot in the hills outside Corvallis, built their dream home and have remained there since. Elaine went back to work in the banking industry in the early 80s. In 1995 she left banking and returned to school to where she graduated with honors. After graduation, she worked at Oregon State University in financial management for the Department of Crop and Soil Science until her retirement in 2010. Throughout her life she enjoyed crafts such as knitting, crocheting and quilting. Many years she would enter her work to county and state fairs, often winning best in class awards and accolades. Gardening was second nature to her, having grown up on a farm. She would always have lots of plants and flowers around, in-doors and out. In January of 2006 she received a new title—Grandma. She was so proud of all four of her grandkids, Samantha, Ashley, Megan, and Ryan. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, brother Dave, and sister Mary. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Monica and Carol and her brother LeRoy. Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.McHenryFuneralHome.com.

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Elaine Mavis Holmes

June 8, 1943 - November 16, 2024