Betty Jo Holmes

Betty Jo Holmes, age 93, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on December 13th, 2023. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Betty was born September 22nd, 1930, in Paducah, Kentucky, to Maburn Vernon and Anna Louise Blewett. Betty grew up on the family farm on Sheehan Bridge Road in Reidland, Kentucky.

She graduated from Reidland High School in 1948 where she was voted "Most Popular Girl," and was on the cheerleading squad. Betty received the American Legion School Award her senior year. Betty graduated from St. Anthony's Nursing School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1951 and went on to become a registered nurse for 40 years. On August 4th, 1951, Betty married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Clay Waller Holmes Sr., at the Reidland Methodist Church. Betty and Clay made their home in Benton, Kentucky, where they had four sons: Wesley, Joel, Clay Jr., and Robert.

In 1962, Betty and her family moved to Yuma, Arizona, because of Clay's career. The first of many moves that would take Betty on a long odyssey throughout the west: Yuma, Arizona, from 1962-1964; Boise, Idaho, from 1964 to 1968; Bountiful, Utah, from 1968 to 1981; and finally, Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1981 until her passing. Throughout these many moves, Betty worked as a part-time registered nurse, readily finding opportunities to supplement the family's income. She retired in 1992 from a calling that she genuinely loved, especially her work as a pediatric nurse. After retiring, Betty and Clay embarked on a series of adventures which took them throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and China, until Clay's passing in 2002. Betty continued to travel well into her eighties, mostly with the aid of her son Robert and his wife, Kam. Betty's last international trip was to the UK in April 2012.

Throughout her life, Betty was a devout Methodist. She would attend a Methodist church in each place she lived. She was a member of the Mesa View United Methodist Church in Albuquerque for over 20 years and was active in the Covenant Group where she had many friends. These friends, along with her faith, sustained Betty in her later years; she gave thanks to God for these blessings.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Maburn and Anna Louise Blewett; her brother, Hensley Blewett; her husband, Clay W. Holmes Sr; and sons, Joel B. Holmes, and Robert C. Holmes.

Betty is survived by her sons, John Wesley Holmes (Jill), and Clay W. Holmes Jr. (Mary); daughters-in-law, Ellen Holmes, and Kam Holmes; grandchildren, Phyllis Leontiou-Holmes, Elizabeth Holmes, Maggie Holmes, Colin Holmes, Margo Rodriguez, Roderick Rodriguez, and Bruce Hinds; brother, Vernon Blewett; sister, Brenda Black; and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Betty will be missed but never forgotten. The family wishes to offer special thanks to the caregivers and staff of Palmilla Senior Living in Albuquerque for their compassion and friendship given to Betty.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., FRENCH -Westside, with Pastor Nema LeCuyer, officiating, and a luncheon reception to follow until 2:00 p.m., Interment will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date. Please visit our online guestbook for Betty at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH - Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300