Rachel Holl, 1909-2007

HOLL, AYERS

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/5/2009 at 18:51:53

Rachel Holl, the daughter of Ele Kenneth and Nellie (King) Ayers was born June 7, 1909, in Buena Vista County, Iowa and departed this life on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at Rosewood Manor in Estherville, Iowa, at the age 98 years old.

She attended school and graduated from Maple Hill. She married George Holl on November 28, 1929. They were married one month short of their 50th anniversary.

Rachel lived most of her life on various farms. Her main interests through the years has been working with young people in her home, in 4-H club work and in Sunday School. She was an active member of the Dolliver United Methodist Church and served as lay member of the annual conference, member of Finance Committee, secretary of Memorial Committee, as well as a communion steward. She taught Sunday School for 50 years, was a member of the United Methodist Women for 72 years where she served as president and treasurer for many years.

In 1976 Emmet County honored her for 30 years as a 4-H leader. In 2006, she was inducted into the Iowa State 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of her 30 years work with the 4-H. The Iowa State University Extension Service awarded her an appreciation certificate for volunteer service and commitment to youth through the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program. Other awards included a pin for every 5 years in 4-H work from the State, as well as a plaque in 2001 for many years of outstanding dedication and service to the Emmet County Fair and Ag Show.

She always had flower and vegetable gardens, loved to sew, read, make rag rugs, quilting, embroidery, and travel. She designed plans for the new home they built in 1952. Most important in her life was her family.

She is survived by two daughters, Ferne Handeland of Ringsted; Hazel Haarup of Baxter, Minnesota; one son, Ellis Holl and his wife, Judy of Kensington, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Sandra Holl of Dolliver; 17 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Otis, Kenneth, Raymond, Clara (Lester) Rosenberg, and Gladys (Richard) Andre; one son, Dale and two sons-in-law, George Handeland and Don Haarup.