Vance Rawleigh Holland

Vance R. Holland, Sr. went home to be with other family members on November 3, 2009. He was born in Wayne County, West Virginia on December 22, 1926. He lived on the family farm until he joined his two older brothers in the U.S. Army in 1944. He served his country in Japan then returned home. After a short time working in local coal mines he decided that his future was with the Army. He enlisted and was assigned to Salzburg Austria. In 1952, while home on leave he married Ella M. Belvin, and they had five children together over the next eight years. He continued his military career with assignments in Germany and Turkey before his retirement in 1966. He retired at Fort Carson, Colorado and owned and operated several restaurants. In 2001, he moved to Bedias, Texas and started a life of retirement. He remained near his two sons until 2006 when he moved to Leavenworth, Washington. While there he helped teach his great-grandchildren the fine art of gardening and the finer art of enjoying all the fresh items from that garden. His gardens were a reflection of his early life on the farm, he enjoyed hours of digging, planting, and harvesting. He adds several awards for his produce to other accolades. His later life was adversely affected by Alzheimer's and he moved to Blossom Creek in Wenatchee. There he was remembered as a gentleman who was always ready to help keep things orderly and make everyone smile. He danced through his last years until the music for his life ended. Vance was preceded in death by his parents Saul and Stella Holland, brothers, William, Leroy, Saul Jr., sisters Susie and Stella, and one son Charles R. Holland. He is survived by sisters Helen Norris of West Virginia and Joan Butcher of Florida. His children Sheila, Robert, Vance Jr., and Kathy have presented him with eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Vance will be remembered for his love of life, his earnest endeavors to get things done right the first time, his unfailing courtesy, and his dedication to his country. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, November 9th, at Tahoma Cemetery with military honors as was his desire. Funeral arrangements are provided by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. No flowers are requested, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association.

Vance Rawleigh Holland

December 22, 1926 - November 3, 2009