Karen Ann Holmes

K aren A nn H olmes was born February 5, 1947, to Robert and Lucille Hunter in North Platte.  She unexpectedly passed away at Great Plains Health on May 22, 2025, at age 78.

Karen attended North Platte High School and was in the marching band.  After graduating in 1965 she attended Mid Plains Community College then Kearney State College.  She later received her teaching degree in Special Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  After working at Westfield Pharmacy and Shopko Pharmacy as a pharmacy tech, she became a teacher.  Karen taught for North Platte Public Schools and worked at Adams Middle School as a Special Education Teacher until retiring.  She enjoyed working with and being around children.

On August 4, 1968, Karen married Timothy Ray Holmes at the First Baptist Church in North Platte.  They had a daughter, Tami Jo, and were married for 32 years when he passed away in 2000.

When she wasn't working, Karen was involved with Special Olympics, was a 4-H judge, and was in a friendship group for special needs at First United Methodist Church.  She also had a love for horses and going to the softball fields and enjoyed watching people dance.

Karen was a member of First Baptist Church then later joined the First United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of Dolls and Gents, the local 4-H Club, and was on the PVGSA board.  Karen faced life's challenges with courage and was a loving mother and grandmother.

Along with her husband, Tim, Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Lucille Hunter; and parents-in-law, Neil and Beverly Holmes.

She is survived by her daughter, Tami Jo Hicks (Jeffrey), brother-in-law, Stewart Holmes (Vicki) and sister-in-law, Jolynn Holmes Stroud, all of North Platte; her special canine companion, Marlo; grandchildren, Taylar Rae Coleman, Karsyn Jean Coleman and Samuel Holmes Johnson (Delaney); her nieces, Julia Miller, Kerissa Kelley (Lane), and Michele Stroud; nephews, Anthony Johnson and Michael Stroud (Chandra); and many other family members.

Services are 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, at Odean Colonial Chapel.  Burial to follow in the North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation is prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Memorials are suggested to the family.