Christine (Christy) McIntyre Holmes December 26, 1952 - July 5, 2020

Dec. 26, 1952 – Jul. 5, 2020

Christine (Christy) McIntyre Holmes, 67 of Atwater, California passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada after a valiant 7-1/2 year battle with cancer.

Christy was born December 26, 1952 in Lynwood, California to Rankin Wheeler McIntyre and Alice Marie (Johnson) McIntyre.  She resided in Downey, California, as a child, where she had fond memories of neighborhood block parties with neighbors that were considered family. She attended Roger Casier Elementary and Griffith’s Junior High School. She graduated from Warren High School in 1971. She truly enjoyed talking about her childhood and loved connecting with old friends.

Christy married the love of her life, Lester Holmes on March 4, 1972 in Bell, California and celebrated their 48^th wedding anniversary this year. They lived in Downey, California for 5 years where they had two children, Joshua and Emily. They then moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where they lived for 10 years and grew their family with three more children, Ethan, Kathere and Daniel. They moved in 1987 to the Atwater, California area where they put down roots and enjoyed serving in their community.

Christy had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to help children who struggled mentally and emotionally from learning disabilities. Her love and compassion for children with learning disabilities stemmed from the struggles she had experienced from her own children, which led her to go to college seeking a degree in education. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Stanislaus State University in August 1993 with high honors. She then continued on to get her Special Education credential from Chapman University. She was hired by the Atwater Elementary School District as a Special Education Teacher on August 19, 1994 where she worked for 21 years. She loved her time at Elmer Wood Elementary where she touched many students’ lives. She found great joy in helping a student learn how to read and gain confidence in their learning. She was very sad when her health got bad enough that she had to retire on June 30, 2015. She continued helping the school district when she could as support staff in the Special Education Department writing IEP’s and subbing when possible.

Christy had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling around the world. She had the opportunity to visit many places like Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Spain, Italy, France, England, Japan, Philippines, Dominican Republic, and many other places. Out of all the places she traveled her favorite trip was when she traveled across the United States with her mother. She loved going on cruises, hiking, camping, and enjoying the world that God created. She never passed up an opportunity to do something adventurous like jumping out of an airplane or zip-lining. She also loved to go shopping, and had a flare for fashion. She had no fear and wanted to live life to the fullest while she could.

Christy is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in any capacity she was called to. She most enjoyed being a Seminary teacher. She loved the youth so much and wanted to pass on her knowledge, passion, and testimony of the scriptures. She had such strong faith in her savior Jesus Christ and shared that with whoever would listen. Her testimony was a beacon to her children and her biggest desire was for her children to have a relationship with their Heavenly Father. She enjoyed family history and spent as much time as she could performing ordinances for her ancestors in the temple.

Christy’s love and devotion for her family was observed by many. She loved being a mother and a grandmother. Her grandchildren always had a special place in her heart and she enjoyed all the time she could spend with them. She always had a smile on her face, and befriended all she came in contact with. She faced every challenge head on and never gave up. She was an example to so many and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Lester Holmes of Atwater, California; children, Joshua Holmes (Kelly) of Mission Viejo, California, Emily Sheppard (John) of Rigby, Idaho, Ethan Holmes (Lori) of Atwater, California, Kathere Williams (Eric) of Chowchilla, California, Daniel Holmes (Breanna) of Merced, California; siblings, Elaine Crossman (Derryl) of Yucaipa, California, Kathleen McIntyre (Charles Ford) of Henderson, Nevada, Jack McIntyre (Melissa) of Dublin, California, Paul McIntyre (Brenda) of Meridian, Idaho; and 16 grandchildren Cody (Makenzie), Lauren, Clayton, Noah, Evan, Andrew, Marin, Emma, Faith, Abby, Brian, Grace, Isabella, Elijah, Madelyn, and Micah.

She is preceded in death by her parents Rankin Wheeler McIntyre and Alice Marie (Johnson) McIntyre; her in-laws Lester Harry Holmes and Rose Henrietta (Tieman) Holmes; her nephews Timothy Crossman and Kevin Nicolaides; and her niece Jessica McIntyre.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Allen Mortuary at 247 N Broadway, Turlock, California. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2020 at Turlock Memorial Park at 425 N. Soderquist Rd. Turlock, California.

Flowers can be sent in care of Allen Mortuary in Turlock. Preparations to livestream the services through Zoom are being made by the family.