Susan L.(Stiers) Holmes

Susan L. (Stiers) Holmes, 66, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family after a ten year courageous battle with fourth stage breast cancer.

Susan was born August 23, 1949, in Topeka, KS, to Fred and Alice Stiers. She graduated as valedictorian from Hoyt High School in 1967.
Susan was set up on a blind date by friends, Bob and Cheryl Duff, with Dwight Holmes and the four of them enjoyed a date at the Chief Drive-In Movie Theater. Dwight returned from the Navy and the two were married on September 19, 1970, at Oakland United Methodist Church. Susan and Dwight had two children together, Travis and Tonya.

She worked for Wild Willy's in the women's department, KNI working with children, Santa Fe Railroad as a clerk, and later as an entrepreneur of Frame Warehouse, which was sparked from her love of art, painting, and music.

Susan was a member of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and Topeka Art Guild. She had a love for animals and there was never a time she didn't have a dog. Above anything was her love for her family, especially her two grandsons, Ryan and Zachary.

She is survived by her husband, Dwight Holmes; two children, Travis (Jennifer) Holmes and Tonya (DeWayne) Rake; two grandsons, Ryan and Zachary Rake; two sisters, Katherine Stiers and Elizabeth Stiers; three brothers, Fred Stiers, Jr., John Stiers, and Tom Stiers; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Susan's life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604 and the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.