Nelda Jean (Montgomery) Farmer Holman

Nelda Jean Farmer-Holman, 84, passed from this earth on Sept. 4, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 27, 1930, in Cordell, Oklahoma, to C.D. and Opal Montgomery. Nelda spent her childhood on a farm in Winfield, this is where her love of nature developed. She spent hours on her horse Monty exploring and having great adventures. She met her first love Bill Farmer when she was a teenager in Ark City. They married on May 9, 1946, in Ark City and went on to have six children together. The family lived on a farm outside of Bentley, where the children were able to also enjoy living on a farm, living by the motto "work hard, play hard."

Bill went to his heavenly home on Dec. 24, 1974. The following year Nelda went to work as a dental receptionist in Halstead at Hertzler Clinic. Later she became a dental assistant to Dr. Don Holman. Nelda and Don both had recently lost their spouses, and able to relate to one another formed a beautiful friendship and eventually fell in love. They married Jan. 3, 1976. Don's three children and Nelda's six were able to form a bond as one family. They enjoyed 29 years of marriage. They traveled the world thoroughly enjoying all of the places that God created, spending time in England, Alaska and the Bible Lands. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting their children and grandchildren, attending gospel meetings and seeing the Blue Bells in Texas.  Nelda was baptized when she was 10 years old, becoming a member of the church. She was a faithful member of Old Main Church of Christ in Newton.

Nelda had many hobbies that she enjoyed, including crocheting, gardening, flower gardening, and she also loved reading, writing poetry and journaling. Her children and grandchildren still enjoy the warmth of the afghans that she crocheted for them.  Nelda was an animal lover; she had a special place in her heart for dogs specifically. Although there were too many to name throughout the years, the last dog she had was "Dancie" and they spent the better part of 10 years together. After Don passed in 2006, "Dancie" was a wonderful companion.

She was preceeded in death by her parents; sister, Mozell Riggs; first husband, Bill Farmer, second husband, Don Holman; son-in-law, Chris Knauss; and great-granddaughter, Terra Lynn Becker.  She is survived by six daughters, three sons, 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Petersen Funeral Home Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, from 1 to 5 p.m. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Bentley, followed by a celebration of Nelda's life at Columbus Ave. Church of Christ in Newton at 11:30 a.m.  Memorials may be made to "In search of The Lord's Way," P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083.