Lucille B. Holmes (Fleeharty)

Lucille "Bernie” (Fleeharty) Holmes finished her earthly trial December 8, 2017. Services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will be 9:30 until service time Tuesday at the chapel. Private interment will be held in Lawrence Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. She was born Lucille Bernice Fleeharty on January 5, 1919 to William Ira and Lucy Louisa (Turner) Fleeharty. Her early years were spent in Fairfield, Illinois, but she left home at age 13. She did household chores and baby-sitting in exchange for room and board for a number of families. In 1936 Lucille graduated from Anderson High School in Indiana. While continuing to work for room and board she took a correspondence course in accounting. The school placed her in a job with Employer's Casually Insurance Company. After night school courses in typing, she was able to land a job with an Indianapolis credit union. In 1943 Lucille enrolled in Graceland College. It was there that she latched onto her preferred nickname of “Bernie”. She managed to remain on the honor roll while holding down 3 industrial assignments. After graduation, in 1945, "Miss Bernie” began working as a secretary / receptionist / billing clerk and cleaning lady for Dr Grabski, an Independence physician. In 1950. she married Wayne N. Holmes. “Bernie” became a full-time wife and mother to three sons – Alan, Gary and Randall. In 1955, she began teaching 2-3 year old's Sunday school, which became a 30+ year passion. She also served as a cub scout Den Mother for many years. “Bernie” returned to the workplace in 1961 as a bookkeeper for the K.U. Bookstore, and later as a statistical clerk for Western Electric / AT&T. She retired after 17 years of service. When several nephews and nieces participated in her class she became known throughout the congregation, young and old as “Aunt Bernie”. Her class's annual nativity depiction was simply adorable. During one morning worship, the minister asked for all of her former students to rise. Nearly half of those assembled rose to their feet in tribute. “Aunt Bernie” penned two books for parents of young children - “Toddlers Learn About Worship”, and “Toddlers Learn About the Book of Mormon”. With her sister Virginia, she compiled loose-leaf books of their favorite recipes for each family household. Captioned historical and family photographs fill dozens of albums. “Bernie” is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, and is survived by son Alan (of the home). She is also survived by: Son Gary, wife Roxanne, and granddaughter Angela (of the home). Grandson Brian, wife Jessi, and great grandchildren, Hannah, Miriam, and David. Grandson Andrew, wife Amanda, and great grandchildren, Amelia, and Enoch. Granddaughter Sarah, husband Tim Saylor, and great granddaughters, Havilah, and Natalie. Son Randall, wife Liza, and granddaughters Sydney and Zoe. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)