Elizabeth Marie Holmes

There once was a girl named Betty Rudsit who spent the early years of her life in Tacoma, Washington, being raised to know the finer things in life. 

Her father, Bob, was an artist and photographer and her mother, Ida May, was a nurse and nursing administrator. Elizabeth was the oldest of three children, outranking her younger brothers Jim and Bernie. Theirs was an idyllic kind of childhood filled with woodland exploration, camping on the beach, music and dancing, and occasional yelling by Bob. 

Elizabeth followed in her parents’ footsteps in that she had a natural artistic bent and passion for music; she decided to pursue nursing school like her mother. It was the Vietnam War era and, true to storybook form, Elizabeth fell in love with a soldier named Jim. While her parents were proud of her artistic talents and career trajectory, they could not help but be concerned when Elizabeth and her soldier, a humble logger from Northwest Montana, became engaged only three weeks after meeting (in a bar, no less). 

Nevertheless, love prevailed and Jim and Elizabeth were married three months after they met, thus beginning over five-and-one-half decades of a shared adventure. Theirs was a story of heartbreak and loss but also of blessings and deep love. It was a story full of challenges but also of overcoming. It was a story of survival and a story of flourishing. 

Sometimes it was a story of a broken-down car on the side of the road and sometimes it was Mocinow and Bitterbit stories before bed. No matter what, three things were constant: their love, their faith and Elizabeth’s ability to view the world with wonder. The love Jim and Elizabeth shared was rare and inspiring. It was a perfect love in that it allowed them both to make mistakes and grow while being held (literally and metaphorically) in a space that was unconditionally and unwaveringly supportive. 

It was a noble love in that it helped them hold each other accountable to the values they vowed to live by. It was a sweet love in that they remained fond of each other even after 57 years, preferring to be together always, often reading to each other at night. And theirs was an Eternal Love that continues to live on in Jim’s mortal heart and in the fabric of the universe, forever. Together with Jim, Elizabeth dedicated her life to following Jesus Christ and she strove to live in His image. 

Her unwavering faith guided her through life's toughest times and inspired so many who knew her. Her faith guided her to live a life of service to others in the healthcare field and beyond, to be accepting of all, and to open her arms and heart to all she came into contact with. This trait, to love and accept and welcome others like family as Christ would (even sometimes complete strangers, according to her children) was just one of Elizabeth’s many endearing qualities. 

The story of Elizabeth is too great to condense down to a simple newspaper announcement but it would be glaringly incomplete if it did not attempt to capture the sense of wonder with which she continually viewed the world. She found magic in all things and while this could sometimes be frustrating for those who prefer to live their lives in a more concrete manner (or at least those who prefer to be on time or not have their house burn down) her sense of awe, her boundless imagination, and her penchant for mischief and adventure were hallmarks of her vibrant personality. 

They punctuated who Elizabeth was: a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, mentor, healthcare provider, and friend whose life was a testament to service, faith, love and finding the magic in all things great and small. 

Elizabeth Marie Holmes, 78, of Troy, Montana blessed this Earth from Sept. 12, 1946, until she passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family who was singing her (kind of in tune) into her next adventure. 

She is survived by so many who knew and loved her, including her husband Jim, her children JJ (Stormey), Delphine, Bob (Diane), Sam (Jenna), and Terry (Erin), 12 grandchildren, and many brothers, sisters, cousins and progeny on both sides of the family. 

Elizabeth’s death leaves a big hole in this Earthly world where her magic used to be. But, as she herself would say, she is but transitioning to the next chapter of her story and would expect those who mourn her to carry on. 

In her words: "Chop wood. Carry water. Feed chickens. Milk cows. Help the wounded. Cook. Eat. Clean. Lament and praise in prayer and keep going - we're counting on each other." 

A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, with a viewing scheduled from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 141 Lake Creek Road, Troy Montana. 

Interment will be immediately after the services at the Holmes Family Cemetery at 582 Pine Creek Rd, Troy, Montana. 

Arrangements are under the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.