Evelyn Colleen “MoMo” Holt, 80, a former Carthage resident, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at her son’s residence in Joplin with whom she had resided since 2002.
Colleen was born July 31, 1929, in rural Lawrence County, Mo. She was the daughter of Everett D. McMillian and Inez “Yant” McMillian. Colleen attended Coon Creek Grade School in Lawrence County and was a 1947 graduate of Lockwood Sr. High School. She was a member of Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin.
Colleen was very active in raising her son and attended all his many activities. She was a proud supporter and traveled many miles with the Carthage High School Band. Colleen had her own unique and supportive whistle for which she was well known! She was employed by Flex-O-Lators, Inc., a division of Leggett & Platt for 54 years as the switch board operator and receptionist and was still affiliated with the company at the time of her death. Among the highlights of her career was a trip provided by Flex-O-Lators to Washington D.C. with her son to commemorate her 50 years of service and her surprise 80th birthday party given to her by her family and Flex-O-Lators. She truly loved her “Flex” family.
Colleen was united in marriage to Howard N. Holt. They divorced in 1971, and he preceded her in death in 2009.
She is survived by one son, Stephen H. Holt and wife Cathy of Joplin; one grandson, Christopher Holt of Joplin and wife Lindsay of Grove, Okla.; one granddaughter, Lindsey A. Hartley and her husband Zack of Webb City, Mo.; one grand dog, Max and one grand cat, Murphy of the home; three great-granddaughters, Tessa Holt, Nina Holt and Pyper Holt; three cousins, Kenneth Koontz and wife Loretta of Lockwood, Mo., Harold Koontz and wife Deleta of LaRussell, Mo., and Don Plummer of Joplin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Bobby Lee McMillian who died in infancy; three cousins Eva Goodman of Carthage, Velma Plummer Casavan of Arkansas, and Denzel Koontz of Branson, with his wife Peggy surviving. She is also survived by many extended family members and she loved them all.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at the Ulmer Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at Greys Point Cemetery in Lawrence County.
Contributions may be made to Park Plaza Christian Church in care of the Ulmer Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home.
