Memorial

Betty Lou Holmes, 75, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Monday July 28th, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. A funeral service will be held in her honor at 10:00 AM on Saturday August 2, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service and take place at St. John’s Cemetery.  

Betty was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA on November 14th, 1949. She graduated from Washington High School in 1967 and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Iowa in 1972. She worked as an accountant for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools for many years. She married Lew Holmes on September 27, 1975, and they went on to have 3 children together. 

Betty loved animals, traveling, watching the Hawkeyes and the Cubs, volunteering to raise money for Parkinson’s research, education, support groups, and spending time with her family and friends. 

She will be greatly missed by her family, close friends, and everyone else who knew her well. 

Betty is survived by her children, Jenny Holmes, Jon Holmes (Jen Chesmore), Chris Holmes (Brittany Holmes); grandchildren, Jordan Holmes, Raina Holmes, Ariana Chesmore, Elaina Chesmore, Izaak Holmes, and Ian Holmes; along with many other extended family members and close friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Irene Donisthorpe as well as her husband Lew Holmes.

Betty’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Meadowview Memory Care for their devoted and loving care for Betty while she was there

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Rapids Metro Parkinson’s Association.