"Prayers and blessings. We knew Kathy at La Casa de Christo, mid 1970s."
In loving memory of
Kathryn Holmes
Kathryn Lee Holmes, 51, passed away suddenly in Phoenix on February 20, 2015. Kathy suffered greatly with depression and fought valiantly to overcome it. With many mental health experts involved with her treatment, she found no relief. Depression is so insidious, and it can be impossible to see an end in sight. Kathy chose to escape her suffering to be with the Lord. Kathy was born in North Dakota in 1963 and relocated with her family to Arizona in 1964. She graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and later got a master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix. She was a teacher for nearly 25 years and taught students in various elementary schools in the Mesa and Paradise Valley School Districts and most recently at an Imagine Charter school. Kathy loved teaching and blessed the lives of countless children who she welcomed into her classroom each year. She also had a positive influence on many teachers and associates who worked with her. She brought joy into the lives of many who got to know her. Most importantly, Kathy loved the Lord. She faithfully read the devotional "Jesus Calling" daily, and loved to listen to Christian music. We know God has a special place for her in heaven. Kathy is survived by her son Brandon, daughter Kylee, brother Michael Dahl (Beth), Mansfield, TX, sister Kari Jo Price (Jon), Scottsdale, AZ, parents Richard and Bonnie Dahl, Surprise AZ, and former husband Gordon Holmes, Phoenix, AZ. Also surviving are nieces Audrey Tyner, Courtney Dahl, Rachel Dahl, and her nephew Bennett Price. We will remember and honor Kathy at a Celebration of Life service on Friday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at North Bible Church, 15678 N. Greenway/Hayden Loop, Ste. 101, Scottsdale, AZ. A reception will follow. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have reached out to us and have been praying for us during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Dream Center in Phoenix, AZ at phxdreamcenter.org.
Tributes
"I was a neighbor to Kathy for a few years at Tuscany villas. She was an amazing, upbeat person who provided a great deal of inspiration. Everybody in the community is heartbroken about the loss of this friend. Kathy loved children with all of her heart, and I hope they know just how deep her love ran. Rest in peace with the Lord Cathy"
"Kathy and I attended middle school and high school together we were cheerleaders in high school. She was always very kind and a good friend to me. I am sorry to hear of her passing and will always remember her in a positive light."
"We send our prayers for kathyrn and her family and know Our Lord is by their side to comfort them at this time. Remember the beautiful happy times with Kathryn. May Kathryn be at peace with Jesus."
"Kathy, I loved you with all my heart. You were the most cheerful person I have ever known and you cared so much about others. You always had a smile and kind word to say. My heart broke each and every time I talked with you this past year. I truly wanted to help. When I think of you I think about your bright, cheerful, smile and all the colorful things you wore that went along with your personality. I know your work is finished here and you have moved on to a place of peace. Good-bye my friend."
"I worked with Kathy for several years at Foothills Elementary. She was always a bright spot in my day. We talked and shared our concerns many times. She was an encouragement to me. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your tragic loss."
"Today we say good-bye to you and know that you are at peace. I miss the days you would stop by my classroom for computer help. It meant so much to me when you came to visit without your computer too. I enjoyed our discussions about life, loved ones, and not so loved ones. We had our laughs for sure! Thank and love you for that. You are missed my dear friend. God\'s blessing with you always."
"Today will be a difficult day for all of Kathy\'s family and friends. I will pray for all of us as we celebrate her life today. Kathy was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. I will truly miss my sister in law. I am so glad I knew her. I know she is happy now and I will find peace in this."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We have so many fond memories of Kathy during Pop Warner and Horizon football. She was such a special person and touched so many lives, and all of us are all enriched by it. Her sweet smile always made you feel welcome around her. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you in the days ahead."
"I didn\'t know Kathryn, but I know the suffering she dealt with every day because of her depression. You find yourself in a deep, dark hole with no way out. I admire her ability to touch others the way she did even though she was experiencing something so difficult to live with on a day-to-day basis. Thank you for be so truthful in her obituary. Most people who suffer with depression try to hide it because of the social stigmas that still exist. Hopefully someday people will realize it isn\'t something you can shake off. I know from a personal experience when my father died that the loved ones left behind will grieve for years. My best to all of Kathryn\'s family and friends."
"Richard and Bonnie, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the rest of Kathy\'s family."
"Dear Bonnie and Richard: We are deeply saddened that your Kathryn died. It is a part of the Cross that we do not understand and yet profess and thus we pray that you and your family and friends will grow and love each other even more deeply. We will all join each other as ONE as our time comes and each of us will come together like family and friends. Both of us have always admired the two of you and wish that we had met Kathyrn and her loved ones."
"Dear Richard and Bonnie...We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met Kathy a long time ago, when Pat and Cindy were with you..what a lovely girl.. we don,t know what to say . We are thinking of you and your family. We will pray God will enter your lives and peace and love will prevail."
"Bonnie and Rich, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. She was to young to leave this life. I am sure Bonnie, that she is in the loving arms of your Mom watching down. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love Carolyn"
"We want you to know how sorry we are for your great loss. God is with you and I am sure you know that. We will pray for you and all of your family. Tom and Mary McDonnell, Sunflower"
"Dear Bonnie and Richard I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I hope that you and your family can find peace and understanding to make it through this difficult loss. Ron H"
"Bonnie and Richard... We are so sorry and extend our heartfelt sympathy to you at this very sad time in your lives. You have been very loving parents and did all you could possibly do for Kathy. Please know our thoughts and prayers go with you. God Bless you..."
"May your daughter and all the family be held and comforted in God\'s arms. We personally know the pain depression inflicts on the person suffering and their loved ones. It is such a tough road. God has brought us through the darkness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Darlene Cole & Sue Tessendorf"
"Bonnie and Rich: We are so sorry for your loss, even tho we didn\'t know Kathy. Knowing you, we know she was special. I hope you find comfort in knowing so many people love and care. Munds Park Friends..."
"I want to express my deepest condolences to Kathy\'s family and friends. I did not have the privilege of knowing her for long, but had the pleasure of meeting her and working with her this school year. She was welcomed into the Imagine Schools family and will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to those who loved her, and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Years ago, I lost my brother to depression, so I share your heartache. I also share your hope however, as I truly believe that she will find peace and happiness in God\'s light."
"Many hugs and prayers to the family. We enjoyed Kathy\'s company watching our boys grow up and play football. Kathy was a beautiful person and always a joy to be around. Moms are important and special people. We are so sorry for the loss of such a valuable person in your lives. Love to you all, The Beugelink Family"
"Dear Bonnie and Rich..So many of us have a family member who has suffered some sort of mental anguish..I am so sorry for your loss and send love and strength to you both. Regards from Stan Debber too."
"For 51 years God gave her to us, to share her life with parents, her 2 children, family and friends. Now she has returned to our Lord to rest and heal. God be with all of the family now during this difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you now. special blessings, Lynn and Lou"
"I had the pleasure of working with Kathy at Foothills Elementary school. I always enjoyed talking with her as we shared some of the same life experiences and our children were about the same ages. My heart breaks over the suffering that she went through as she fought through depression. My prayers go out to Kaylee and Brandon as they move forward through life with her. May all the beautiful memories you have of her comfort you through this difficult time."
"I have know Kathy for years, as Kari and I have been great friends for all of those years. I\'ve heard all about the good times and bad in Kathy\'s life. She was so caring, and always so sweet and nice to me. She will be missed by so many, especially her sister. I know she is now at peace, and I am so thankful for that. My love extends to all her family as they battle through this tough time!!!"
"We are so sorry to hear that Kathy passed away. We pray that she is now at peace. Our prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. May her memory be Eternal."
"Bonnie and Rich, We are so sad to hear of your loss. Please know we are praying for you and your family. If there is anything we can do to help you two let us know. We did not know your Kathryn but we still feel your pain and send you our deepest sympathies and love. God\'s Blessings on each of you... your Munds Park Friends Pat and Fred Lautigar"
"It will be an honor to meet Kathy someday in Heaven. Jesus Calling is my favorite devotional also. prayers, Jim and Joyce"
"Bonnie & Richard, Only God knew the complete daily troubles & struggles, Kathryn is in a far better place now. The rest of the family needs you now, listen & pray, there is light at the end of the journey. Do not dwell on what you could have done to change the outcome, I\'ve been there & know your thoughts. Just support the family that is left behind, with lots of love & prayers."
"Kathy was married to my son Gordon and recently became good friends.They worked together thru some trials & tribulations.He,myself and all my family\'s hearts are broken.she is @ peace but she will be sorely missed May she find a place of refreshment,light & peace in Heaven????????????????"
"Kathy leaved next door to me for years. No matter what she went through Kathy was always kind and thoughtful. We laughed and gave comfort and encouragement to each other. She was a gift and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to her family at this time."
"Kathy was my best friend for years as we lived across the street from each other in Scottsdale. I think I spent more time at her house with her wonderful family than I did at my own home. I will always remember the good times we had and her smiling face. Much love to Richard, Bonnie, Michael, and Kari, and the rest of Kathy\'s family. I hope you all can find comfort in knowing that Kathy is at peace now."
"Kathy was such a loving teacher and a caring friend. I was happy to know her for many years at Foothills Elementary school. When she asked a person how they were, she really meant it. She cared and listened. My heart breaks for her sorrows and the despair of depression. Bless all who loved her and cared for her, especially her family, at this sad time."