In Memory

Bobbie Holmes (Vanover) - Class Of 1956

Bobbie Ann Vanover (Holmes), 86, went to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 26, 1938 in McRoberts, Kentucky to John and Dorothy Holmes. Bobbie graduated from Jenkins High School where she met her husband of 65 years, Donald Lee Vanover, Sr. They married right out of high school and moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Shortly after, they bought their first home in Jeffersonville, Indiana and started a family. They had three children, Kim, Donnie, and Amy. Bobbie started achieving her next life goal of becoming a teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Education at Indiana University and in later years completed two Masters Degrees. She taught at Ewing Lane Elementary (later Bridgepoint) her entire career. Bobbie began teaching second grade and later moved to kindergarten. As her principal once commented “She could teach a rock to read.” Bobbie was not a tall lady, not much taller than her students. One day one of her little boys asked her “Mrs. Vanover, are you fully growed up yet?” She had many stories to share about her students and was proud of each one. She referred to them as “my kids” and was very protective of them. She also had the opportunity to occasionally substitute for her education professors at Indiana University. Bobbie was an avid gardener and spent many hours creating beautiful landscapes. People would stop at their home in Georgetown, Indiana, where she lived for 45 years, to admire her and Don’s work. Not only did she landscape the outside of her home, but she also enjoyed decorating a lovely home for her family inside. She also enjoyed playing the piano. In 2021 she and Don moved to London, Ohio to live with her daughter and family. After Don passed away she remained in London. She attended church with her daughter until it became too difficult. The people there called her Miss Bobbie and really loved her. She remained a member of Georgetown Christian church where she had been involved through the years in Bible studies, ladies’ retreats, VBS, and family and summer camps at Scenic Hills and Wonder Valley Christian Camps. She directed funeral meals, went on mission trips, and taught Sunday school. Bobbie was totally devoted to her family and is survived by the three children, Kim Hunt (Rob), Don Vanover, Jr (Carole), and Amy Holland (Tony). Her seven surviving grandchildren are Lee Hunt (Felecia), Nate Hunt, Clifton Gifford (Jenn), Jonathan Vanover, Michael Vanover, Chase Holland (Sarah), and Cassie Carter (Quentin). Tripp Gifford, Silas Gifford, Jasmine Carter, Journey Carter, and Rory Holland are her five surviving great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Shale Bentley, Pam Davis (Chuck), Chinky Leuthart (Bobby); her brothers Johnny Holmes and Layne Holmes; her sister-in-law Nancy Salyers; and many special friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband Donald, Sr.; her parents John and Dorothy Holmes; her three brothers Kay Don, James, and Allen Dale Holmes; and her grandson Matt Hunt. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.