Marian Holiwell

Marian J. Holiwell, 87, of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Mercy Regional Health Center. Marian Baker was born on April 10, 1925 in Manhattan, the daughter of the late Ernest and Helen (Keele) Baker. She attended the local schools and graduated from Manhattan High in 1943, also attending Kansas State University for child care. It wasn't until Marian reached the age of 70 that she considered retiring. The enjoyment she received working with people which kept her involved in the community. The mother of 10 children, Marian was a stay at home mother and didn't enter the workforce until her children were all almost and out on their own. It was natural for Marian to care for others, so her first job was working at the Manhattan Day Care. Four years later, she and a dear friend started their own day care at the Douglas Center. She later worked at Woolworth's Department Store until it closed its doors. She was also the Director of the Senior Center, and worked at the Green Thumb Job services and the American Red Cross helping people. Marian met her husband at the USO in the Douglas Center. They started dating and married in 1943. Abraham served two years in the Navy returning to Manhattan to work as a baker. This was perhaps the reason Marion loved to make cinnamon rolls and carrot cakes each year for family and friends at Christmas time. Marian was elected the 'Mother of the Year' by the Manahttan Lions Club in 1960, singing in the church choir, working with the youth, and making dinners at her church, the First United Methodist, she also belonged to the Mothers Club and to the Sisters of Soul. When Marian started to need more help physically, she came to the live at the Via Christi Village in Manhattan. She laughs when she says she stays involved here too, she is a member of the Crafty Ladies craft group that makes the decorations for different events at the village, she also loves bing, all the special programs and the entertaining performances. Marian said her children spoiled her with trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas. They also gave her wonderful birthday and anniversary parties. She is also survived by her 6 sons; Clyde Holiwell husband of Janise, Topeka; Kenneth Holiwell, Manhattan; Jeffery Holiwell, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Dennis Holiwell, San Diego, California; Rodney Holiwell husband of Cheryl, Garland, Texas; and Gary Holiwell, Bedford, Texas; 2 daughters; Josephine Guliford, Euless, Texas; and Susan Holiwell, Dallas, Texas; 1 brother; William Baker, Topeka; 1 sister; Geraldine Walton, Manhattan; 9 grandchildren; Valerie Turner, Ginger Wilson, LaShawnda Robinson; LaTiesha Holiwell; Matthew Holiwell; Marisa Holiwell; Majel McQuiller; Wesley Ford; and Blake Holiwell; 7 great-grandchildren; Jaidyn Holiwell; Taniya Holiwell; Michael Wilson, Jr., Mauresa Wilson; Shantell Wilson; Malik McQuiller; and Maurissa McQuiller. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son, Jerome Holiwell; daughter, Patricia McQuiller; four sisters, Lucy Baker, Helen Baker, Jean Harrison and Amelia Jackson; and one brother Lloyd Baker. Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm with the family rceiving friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, October 5, 2012 at the funeral home with Rev. Melonie Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan. The family requests memorial contributions may be made to The American Red Cross and left in care of Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation, 1317 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan.