Rolda E. Holden, 81, of Eau Claire and formerly of Fostoria, Ohio, died Friday, July 25, 2003 at her home. She was born April 20, 1922 in Covington, Kentucky, the daughter of Roland and Beckam (Bond) Kirk. At the age of three her family moved to Fostoria, Ohio where she resided until1999, when she moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Rolda married Lloyd K. Holden on August, 7 1946 in Green Bay, WI. \r\nRolda valued beauty, education, and her family. She attended Fostoria Public Schools and enrolled in Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she studied Studio Art. In 1942 circumstances required her to leave college and her studies. However, she remained interested in art, literature and music her whole life. She particularly enjoyed observing the beauty of nature. Later, she returned to college and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Education. She worked to assure that her children could have a higher education. For twenty years she taught Fourth grade for the Elmwood School District in Bloomdale, Ohio. She believed a broad education is beneficial to individuals and the communities they live in. As a master teacher, she influenced hundreds of children to be curious and to seek learning. She also helped begin the Public Library in Bloomdale.\r\nRolda's mother and father, brothers, husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren were the objects of her devotion throughout her life. She and her family were members of the First Methodist Church (later Wesley United Methodist Church) of Fostoria, Ohio, for over sixty years. She was also a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. \r\nSurvivors include Lloyd her husband of 57 years; three sons, Michael (Theresa) Holden, of Austin, TX, Stephen (Carol) Holden and Tom Holden both of Eau Claire; three grandchildren Elizabeth (Jesse) Holden of Santa Clara, CA, Anne and Bill Holden both of Austin, TX; two brothers, Robert (Theresa) Kirk of Findlay, OH, and David Kirk of Reston, VA; a sister-in-law, Beverly Kirk of Findlay, OH; nieces and nephews. \r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother Joseph Kirk.\r\nHer family wishes to thank the nurses at the Luther-Midelfort Clinic Oncology Department and Northwest Wisconsin Homecare-Hospice for their caring support.\r\nFuneral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2003 at First Congregational United Church of Christ Chapel with Rev. Mark Pirazzini officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the town of Washington. Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday at the church chapel. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is serving the family.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to the American Red Cross- Chippewa Valley Chapter Wisconsin, 218 N. Barstow, Eau Claire, WI, 54703\r\n"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23.

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