EnglishSpanish

Eva Wauneta Holdren

thumb

Eva Wauneta Holdren, 98, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Faulkton Senior Living.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Shawn Stoll presiding. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery. A visitation will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the church. 

Eva Wauneta Holdren was born November 10, 1924, in Manter, KS, the eighth child of nine of William and Eva Lorena (Rena) Harmon. As a small child the family moved to a farm/ranch twomiles south of Holly, CO. Wauneta was in her element if she could be outside doing whatever her brothers were doing or riding her white horse, Cricket, bareback across the prairie. Her main job was following the cattle as they free ranged through Kansas and Colorado. 

This is when she met her future husband, Jack Holdren, when she was eight. His family lived four miles north of her family. Her growing up years were spent herding cattle on horseback, helping her father in the fields, and playing music with her father at local dances. She also started to write her own songs. Jack and Wauneta were known as the best dancers at any dance they attended.

They were married September 4, 1940, on her Uncle Willy’s farm. While they were living on a farm 30 miles south of Syracuse, KS, six children were born: Bill, Cecil, Marilyn, Eva Jo, Jay Dee, and Roy. Wauneta spent many hours helping Jack with fieldwork. The Holdren’s had the most flowers of anyone in the whole community and was the gathering place for all neighboring kids. Evenings were spent listening to Wauneta play her guitar and sing songs she had written.

In November of 1962, the family moved to a farm north of Wecota. Again, Wauneta spent time in the fields, landscaping her yard, and helping the kids with their registered 4-H sheep.

In 1964 Jack went to work for Dr. Boyd Mills and the family moved to Faulkton. Even living on main street, the Holdren house was the gathering place for all the kids. At this time Jay Dee and Roy along with some other friends, started a band called “The Innerlight”. After winning the State Snow Queen talent competition, the band was asked to play at school dances. As no one was old enough to drive, Wauneta became their driver.

The family then moved into a mobile home on 11th St. S. Again, Wauneta had a yard she could landscape. The Holdren house was a fun place for all the kids.

September of 1968, son-in-law Ron Melius used his tractor to move the family mobile home across town to a former horse pasture belonging to Delos Melius. That fall, Wauneta planted her first row of evergreens. Many hours of working the ground, hauling tons of rock, and building the rock terraces on her time off.  There were nine terraces, the longest 168 feet long and a terrace made of old tires over eight feet high. Wauneta’s garden became a private paradise. An evergreen was planted for each of her children, except Cecil, he wanted a rock. Each time a grandchild was born another tree was planted, 20 in all. When the great-grandchildren started coming, she planted a lily in honor of them.

Word got out and people started coming to see the garden that Wauneta built. The garden was featured in newspapers, magazines, and a segment on South Dakota Public Television. Many local people and tour buses from several states came to see the beauty. Visitors came from every state in the US and 23 foreign countries.

Winters were spent planning next year’s garden, giving guitar lessons to 60 students, and making quilts. A quilt was given to each grandchild when they were born, one when they were in middle school, and one when they were married. Every quilt was full sized or larger and completely hand quilted. Wauneta has made over 300 quilts, and all but a few were given away to family and friends.

After Jack became ill and could no longer live at home, Wauneta moved into the Meadows in May of 2013. At that time, sons Jay Dee and Roy took many journals and stories Wauneta had written, to start putting together a book. Roy took songs she had written and is now putting together a CD of her music.

Even at the Meadows, Wauneta had to landscape, planting lilies to the east of the building and peonies under her apartment window. She enjoyed her time there doing what she never had time for before, watching TV, reading, and taking road trips with daughter Eva.

Eva is survived by her children: Cecil Holdren of Faulkton, Eva Jo Melius-Meyer of Faulkton, Jay Dee (Susan) Holdren of Holly, CO, Roy (Mary) Holdren of Bloomington, MN; 20 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents William and Eva Harmon, her husband of 73 years Jack Holdren, son: Bill Holdren, infant daughter: Marilyn Jean, daughters-in-law: Shelbie Holdren and Glenda Sangster; son-in-law: Ron Melius; six brothers, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Faulkton Senior Living for their care and devotion to Wauneta in her last days.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Eva’s arrangements.  (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

OBITUARIES

thumb

Mickey Watson

Mass of Christian Burial for Mickey Watson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Holly, Colorado.  Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery.  Rosary will be held prior to the Mass, at 9:30 a.m. Mickey David... [More]

thumb

Anthony Contreras

Mass of Christian Burial for Anthony Contreras will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023 at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Holly, Colorado. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Anthony John Contreras was born on November 26, 1976 in Lamar, Colorado to... [More]

thumb

Juliana Zwaantina Houtsma

Juliana Zwaantina Houtsma, age 31, passed away unexpectedly on May 22nd, 2023 at home in Syracuse, Kansas.  The eldest daughter of Algene Jay Houtsma and Johnna Harvill, she was born on September 21st, 1991 in Redlands, California. Juliana spent her early years in Syracuse,... [More]

thumb

Shilo Christine Van Tatenhove

With the heaviest of hearts, we let our friends and family know that Shilo, my wife of almost 30 years and mother to our amazing daughters, passed away suddenly on the evening of Friday, May 12th, 2023, due to complications with a long-term medical condition. She passed on to... [More]

thumb

Joyce Ann (Reynolds) Horning

A Memorial Service for Syracuse, Kansas resident, Joyce Horning will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Syracuse Wesleyan Church with Pastor Ray Frankofficiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Kendall Cemetery in Kendall, Kansas. Joyce Ann (Reynolds)... [More]

thumb

Winston L. Sears

A graveside memorial service for Winston Sears will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Holly Cemetery in Holly, Colorado with Pastor Kurtis Klinghammer officiating.  Military committal rites will be provided by V.F.W. Post #4281. Winston L. Sears was born... [More]

thumb

Marjorie L. Nairn

Marjorie L. Nairn, age 90 of Johnson, Kansas, died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Stanton County Hospital, Johnson, Kansas. She was born August 10, 1932, in Dighton, Kansas, the daughter of Royce O. and Ida M. (Long) Wells.   Marge grew up and graduated high school in Syracuse,... [More]

thumb

Norma Faye Graber

Norma Faye Graber March 5, 1935 – April 28, 2023       Norma Graber, age 88, passed away April 28, 2023 at Regency Healthcare and Rehab Center, in Huntsville, Alabama. A 30-year resident of Decatur, AL, Norma was born in Anthony, Kansas in 1935. She... [More]

More Obituaries

View All Obituaries

SPORTS

thumb

STATE GOLF RESULTS

State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams.  On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott  and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]

thumb

JH BASKETBALL WINS

Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and  C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]

thumb

LADY BULLDOGS BORDER WARS CHAMPIONS!!

The Lady Bulldogs were undefeated during the Border Wars, defeating Eads on Friday, 42-7 and Walsh on Saturday 62-5, bringing their record to 3-1. But the winner wasn’t announced until Tuesday evening. Syracuse Athletic Director Josh Johnson explained, “It came down... [More]

thumb

JH Basketball Season Underway with JH Boys sweeping Lakin

Monday night at home at the Herndon Gym, the Junior High boys swept Lakin! Head coach Vance Keller said, “We’re a young team with only six eighth graders and 12 seventh graders. We’ve had six total that started the season with injuries so we haven’t had... [More]

thumb

Senior Night Volleyball

Three Syracuse High School volleyball seniors were honored on Tuesday, October 5, during the volleyball tournament at Syracuse.  Kaetlin Thomeczek, daughter of Joe and Dami Thomeczek has played volleyball since the third grade, playing with Syracuse Youth Activities Association... [More]

thumb

HS Track

Head coach Steve Navarro said, “The coaching staff has really enjoyed working with this group of kids this year. They have been putting in hard work despite some less than stellar conditions for practice and meets. We are excited to see what they can do now that we are... [More]

thumb

SHS SPORTS WRAP UP

Baseball: The Bulldogs faced the Goodland Cowboys at home on Thursday, April 8, losing game one, 2-22 and game two, 1-17. Head Coach Dustin Doze said the Bulldogs really struggled throwing strikes again and they had too many errors. We need to clean things up if we want to... [More]

thumb

Spring Sports Start

One year ago, athletes and coaches were beginning practice for their spring sport, some practicing during spring break, others enjoying the break from school. Soon they found out their break was extended a week, some with great joy, others with apprehension. Then came the unfortunate... [More]

More Sports

NEWS

thumb

McAllister Retires

After 41 years, Steve McAllister saw his last group of students leave his classroom at Syracuse High School on Thursday, May 18. Instead of a big sendoff, McAllister chose to test himself in a 60 mile race.  An avid bicyclist, Steve loaded up his bicycle and headed for Hico,... [More]

Alumni Success - Cecil O'Brate

“I have found no substitute for an honest day’s work, an inquisitive mind, and a desire to always do more.” –  Cecil O’Brate. What happens when a 1940s Syracuse High School alumni crosses paths with a Syracuse Bulldog activity bus? Well,... [More]

thumb

Hamilton County Memorial Day Tribute

This Hamilton County Memorial Day Tribute is brought to you by Scoular. Thank you to the brave and selfless men and women who have gone before us. Thank you for their service and sacrifice. ARTHUR AESCHLIMAN CECIL ADKISSON JIMMY AKERS JERRY ALEXANDER THOMAS AMERINE VERNON ANDERSON... [More]

thumb

FINLAY - NEW BRANCH MANAGER AND LOAN OFFICER FOR VALLEY STATE BANK

The Valley State Bank in Syracuse is pleased to announce Casey Finlay has been hired as the new branch manager and loan officer. His primary duties will be managing employees in the Syracuse office but more importantly, helping customers with their financial needs.  Finlay... [More]

thumb

LEVENS GRADUATES PEPPERDINE MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Ali Levens, 2019 SHS graduate and daughter of Rhonda Levens and Randy Levens recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and double minors in sustainability and multimedia design.  While her degrees... [More]

thumb

Yonkey Book Signing This Saturday in Coolidge

Best-selling Kansas author to speak in Coolidge May 13 Roxie Yonkey, former Syracuse Journal editor and best-selling author, will discuss her newest book Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, from 5 to 7 PM, Saturday, May 13, at the Coolidge City Hall,... [More]

thumb

WEEKEND IN SYRACUSE BUSY WITH GOLF, COLOR RUN, AND CAR SHOW

Mother Nature delivered a beautiful day Saturday for the many happenings in Syracuse with the Hamilton County Hospital Golf Tournament, Crusin’ Into Summer Car Show and SHS cheerleader color run.  The first golf tournament had 27 teams enter from Syracuse, Denver,... [More]

thumb

BUSY WEEKEND EXPECTED IN SYRACUSE

It’s an eventful busy weekend coming up! Beginning Friday evening at 4:00 PM, the Syracuse Youth Activities Association is sponsoring the third annual track meet for first through sixth grade.  Grades first through sixth can compete in the 50 to 1600 meter, relays,... [More]

More News

OPINIONS

Quiet

It’s quiet in town. It’s as if the world left to go on vacation. I can hear birds chirping, a gentle rain shower, and peace is rushing through me.  Last week my daughter had basketball camp and sheep shows. For the past couple months It was go, go, go, the paper... [More]

thumb

Time, Precious Time

I am writing this from a hotel room out of town. Summer is me traveling which sounds exciting but really it is getting my daughter from this camp to that camp to livestock shows, and rarely catching up on chores at home.  Even when I am home I am busy with work or getting... [More]

thumb

It's Dark Sometimes

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” - Martin Luther King Jr Have you ever met the person who lives a long beautiful life and dies surrounded by their loved ones?  I think that is awesome.  In truth most of the people I know who died were younger. ... [More]

Thank God for Biting Flies

I am writing this on Wednesday morning. Tomorrow is the last day of school here in Syracuse.  Summer break is here.  We have had a little bit of rain fall, some chances on the radar. Have you seen the Miller moths around here? Wow they are crazy.   But, they... [More]

To You or For You

I went to bed Tuesday night happy about life and the peace that comes from checking things off your list, helping someone, and having a plan for the next day.   I  had a dream that night, I was in a hotel room and it caught fire. Wednesday morning I woke up to... [More]

Practice, Practice, Practice

  Last weekend was our first sheep show of the season. Our lambs had never been in the show ring before. They were nervous with all the different noises, animals, people. And it is to be expected.  After a long couple of days getting ready, we got there and had forgotten... [More]

Changed

I watched a piano recital Saturday afternoon. After the children played, two extremely dedicated and talented pianists performed.  The first played impeccably. She was a virtuoso who became the piece and her fingers flowed almost effortlessly. For what felt like 20 minutes,... [More]

My Plans?

Here we are again. I am sitting writing this on a Wednesday morning bracing for another round of high winds, dirt, dust, no rain in sight, crops failing or failed. Will it rain again? It has to right?  When I drove through Oklahoma the dirt looked like powder and the ditches... [More]

More Opinions