Jerrene C. Holling, longtime Fairfield area resident and farmer, passed away early Thursday morning August 10, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 81. Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 19th at 2:00 pm at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church on McNeil Street. Jerrene will lie in state at the church Saturday morning from 10:30 to 12:00 Noon so friends may come by. Viewing will also be at Bruning Funeral Home Thursday and Friday from 9 to 4. A family graveside service will precede the church service at the Waverly Cemetery.
Jerrene was born October 27, 1935 to Robert and Edna (Hall) Crow in Oakesdale, Washington. Living on the farm she learned how to help with many chores but she especially loved riding on the combine with her dad. In those days you leveled the combine by hand. This was her job and Dad told her, "I'm sure you have one leg shorter than the other", as he pulled the level stick the other way. Her first truck driving job was for hay haulers. She could hardly get the clutch and brake to the floor as her legs weren't long enough. You didn't dare jerk and lose a bale. When she was older, she drove the harvest truck. There was also lots of canning and cooking. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Jerrene played sports in high school and was a cheerleader for 4 years. She loved music and was the high school accompanist, and she played the organ and piano for church and weddings. Jerrene was also an accomplished trombone player winning Superior ratings in many contests in Spokane and Whitman County. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1953. After graduation she attended Kinman Business College in Spokane.
On December 19, 1953, Clarence (Bud) Holling and Jerrene were married and started farming. They had three children, Karl, Kevin and Darla. They worked together and had so many wonderful memories enjoying family get-togethers and school activities but especially trips to the cabin on the island at Priest Lake.
After the kids graduated from high school and were in college, Bud and Jerrene traveled to many islands in the Caribbean. Sun, sand and surf were priorities. They took trips in the United States including Hawaii and Alaska, Tahiti, Paris, and visited family and friends in Spain and Germany.
Most of all Jerrene loved and was devoted to her family. She attended many of their activities when health allowed and getting together was at the top of her list. She didn't forget birthdays or Christmas gifts for all of her family which kept her very busy. Losing Bud suddenly on May 27, 2008 broke her heart but she always had the love and support of family.
She is survived by her three children; Karl (Kim) Holling of Colville, WA., Kevin (Shelly) Holling of Waverly and Darla (David) Borey of Burbank, WA; by her sister Jannis Snook of Spokane and sister-in-law June Crow of Colfax; Jerrene also leaves 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren all of whom she was so proud. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her brother, Mac Crow.
Jerrene was so thankful for her many blessings. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, "Pediatric Oncology Fund", 101 West 8th Ave., 3rd floor, Spokane, WA 99204 or to the Shriner's Hospital, 911 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.