Alice "Elaine"

Anderson Doty Holmes

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Atkinson — Alice "Elaine" Anderson Doty Holmes, 88, of Atkinson, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 at the church in Atkinson.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of the arrangements.

Alice “Elaine” Anderson Doty Holmes was born Jan. 28, 1936 on a bitter cold day at the home of Chester and Dorothy Anderson north of Atkinson. Dr. McKee made it to the driveway where Chester had to hitch up a team of horses and pull Dr. McKee ¼ mile to the house. She passed away Oct. 24, 2024 at the Atkinson Good Samaritan Center.

As the third child of 13, Elaine learned at an early age the art of sharing. In her own words, “Not only did we share beds, sleeping three to a bed, but we shared mumps, measles, chicken pox and whooping cough --- and one horse named Blondie.” Her young experience of babysitting and changing diapers, prepared her for her role as a mother of five children.

She earned a reputation as a tomboy as she much preferred to be outside with the boys, riding Blondie, the oneriest and hardest riding horse ever. Her and her younger brothers Vernon and Elvon (who was just tagging along) were always “getting into something” as her mother explained. Even though she was found along side the boys outside, she had a feminine side that she displayed by drawing paper dolls and creating clothing for them that she drew, cut out and colored.  

She attended school in one of Holt County's country schools and then attended and graduated from Atkinson High School in 1954. Tomboy though she was, she developed into a typical teenage girl. While attending high school, her sister Betty and her stayed in town during the week. They would sweet talk their father into bringing them into town early on Sundays, and then they would attend dances. Which is where she met Richard (Dick) Doty. They were married on Sept. 18, 1954 in El Paso, Texas. She then followed Dick to Anchorage, AK as he served in the U.S. Army. After his service ended they moved back to a farm north of O'Neill. The couple welcomed five children into their family. They divorced after several years of marriage.

Elaine moved to Morrill where she worked as a cook and waitress for one of her cousins. From there she moved to Glenrock, WY where she met and married Delane (Dutch) Holmes. After Dutch's death, she moved back to O'Neill. She eventually moved into Prarie Winds Assisted Living and then spent the last few years as a resident of Atkinson Good Samaritan Center due to deteriorating health and vision issues.  

As a young wife and mother, Elaine became a true “farmer's wife” as she enjoyed raising a garden and chickens. And anything else that pertained to a farming life. She knew how to work hard and was not a stranger to hard and troubled times, but she also knew how to rise above it and take solace and refuge in her large family.  She loved the title of grandmother and then great-grandmother.

She created many precious memories traveling with her six sisters.  And the last few years she was able to live close to Betty and Dody at Prarie Winds. She enjoyed playing Bingo and reading was a favorite past-time. When her eyesight started declining, she “rose above” and found pleasure in listening to audio books.

Elaine is survived by her five children Lonnie (Vicki) Doty of Inman, Beverly (Kenneth) Philbrick of Washington State, Charlotte (Willie) Pitt of Powell, WY, Ronnie Doty of Arizona and Curtis Doty of Casper, WY; a legacy of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren;  eight siblings Elvon (Carolyn) Anderson and Bernard (Leile) Anderson, all of Columbus, Mary (J. Harvey) Scott of Tulsa, OK, Dorothy Pahl, Eileen (Dale) Osborne and Clayton (Eileen) Anderson, all of Atkinson, Janice (Mike) Hibbs of Minnesota and Dian DenHerder of Tampa, FL; and a large group of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Dorothy Anderson, three brothers Dean, Garold and her partner in crime Vernon and her sister Betty.      

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