Marsha Holmes, 89, of Ames, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames.

Friends and family are welcome to attend an informal celebration of life on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. at the Green Hills Community Room, located at 2210 Hamilton Drive in Ames. The inurnment will follow at the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Marsha Ann Holmes was born on October 17, 1933 in Washington, Iowa to Theodore and Gertrude (Hammer) Bailey. She graduated from Washington High School and then attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Marsha was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Lee Holmes on August 29, 1952 in Washington, Iowa and was blessed with two children, Sharon Jean and Michael Lee. The young family lived and farmed for several years west of Crawfordsville, Iowa, until moving to Ames in 1966. Marsha was employed by Iowa State University as an Administrative Assistant for the Contracts and Grants portion of the University. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cheering on ISU Football, Men's and Women's Basketball teams.

Marsha was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Ames, Order of the Eastern Star and the Professional Secretary's Association.

Marsha is survived by her daughter, Sharon Holmes Spencer of Lenexa, Kansas; grandchildren, Max Holmes of Parker, Colorado, Halle Holmes of Parker, Colorado and Chad (Melissa) Spencer of Lenexa, Kansas; grandchildren Lucas and Amelia Spencer of Lenexa, Kansas and Theodore(Carol) Bailey of Denver, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2015; son, Michael Holmes; and grandson Ryan Spencer.