In Memory of Roberta “Bobbie” Ann Holmes

Obituary

I, Roberta “Bobbie” Ann Holmes, announce that I am now soaring with the angels in God’s heavenly garden. August 12, 2026, was my last day on Earth.

I am writing this to thank God, my family, and my friends for a great life. We have climbed mountains together and seen the depths of the valleys, but those experiences made us stronger and taught us to enjoy every day.

I was born on July 27, 1947, the youngest daughter of the ten children of Robert and Gertrude Elthorp. I was adopted as an infant and raised as the only child of Stanley and Eleanor Palmer. I was always grateful for the love of both families.

My mom and daddy raised me to work hard, learn all I could, respect all people, and always carry a smile and a sense of humor.

I want my family to remember me with laughter and stories of the good times. I have loved you all deeply. Though distance may have separated some of us over the years, I have kept each and every one of you close to my heart, always.

On June 10, 1967, I married my forever love and best friend, Hollis Holmes. We shared 57 wonderful years together until his passing in 2024. Together, we were always getting into some kind of adventure. Life was full, and I enjoyed it all—whether we were tearing apart and rebuilding houses, making one of our many moves, taking endless camping trips, or traveling through different states simply enjoying Mother Nature.

I loved making family meals, baking surprise treats, country music, dancing, reading books, NASCAR, truck and tractor pulls, animals, card parties, house parties, and all the fun that came along with them. But there was nothing I loved more than spending time with my family and friends in New York, Florida, and Tennessee.

For most of my career, I worked at GE/Lockheed Martin as an aerospace assembly line worker.

I leave behind my three beautiful daughters, who are so much a part of me: Lisa (Rick) Parker of Whitesboro, Mary (Scott) VanDyke of Oriskany, and Tina Holmes of Oriskany.

I also leave behind four special grandsons: Mike (Vinnie) Parker, Andrew (Ally) VanDyke, Alex VanDyke, and Jake (Samantha) Holmes; and five precious great-grandchildren: Rory and Kaiden VanDyke, and Zoey, Lily, and Jake Jr. Holmes.

Some of my greatest sorrows came from saying goodbye to those I loved before my own time came. I was predeceased by my beloved husband, Hollis; my grandsons, Nicholas Holmes and Craig Parker; my dogs, Holly and Ladybug; and my best friend, Lucretia Campbell. Their loss left a hole in my heart that never completely healed.

I also leave behind my sisters-in-law, Sandy Keysor and Patty Holmes of Saranac; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families; my “adopted kids”; and so many wonderful friends who helped make my life special.

Per my request, there will be no funeral service, but I would be honored to have everyone gather for a Celebration of Life at a later date. Fill it with laughter, stories, memories, and good times—that is how I would like to be remembered.

So, hopefully, I went out with a beer in one hand and chocolate in the other.

See ya on the flip-flop. Bye-bye.