Myrtle Ophelia Holmes, 87, Clerk

Born May 30, 1914 in Brownhelm, OH where she was raised and attended Brownhelm High School. She has been an Amherst resident since 1952.

She was employed by Norfolk and Southern Railroad for 26 years, retiring in 1985 as a clerk. Prior to her employment at the railroad she also worked for General Industries in Elyria for ten years as a plastic molder; Lincoln Park Ballroom as a waitress and at Zahorec Realty. She was a member of St. Peter United Church of Christ, Amherst and the Brownhelm Historical Society. She enjoyed traveling.

Survivors include her sons James Holmes of Amherst and William Holmes of Roseville, MI; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Howard "Joe" Holmes on august 23, 1987; a grandson, James David Holmes; her parents James and Sara (nee Flowers) Harris; by her brother William Harris; and by her sisters Mable Death, Hazel Martin, and Annie Enzor.

Friends may call Friday, April 26, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. from the funeral home. Burial will be in Brownhelm Cemetery, Brownhelm Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Associations, 1689 East 115th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106 or to the American Cancer Society; 43099 North Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.