Iola Holtz, 94

Iola June Holtz, age 94, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Sunday morning, May 1, 2016 in the presence and comfort of her family in Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis.

She was born March 28, 1922 in Volinia, Michigan to Leon and Mollie (Hoffmeister) Rice. She married James Lorel Holtz December 9, 1944 in Penn Township, Michigan. After almost forty eight years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 1992. She was also predeceased by her parents; one grandson, Dustin Holtz; one sister Elsie Wessel; and three brothers, Donald Rice, Stanley Rice and Byron Rice.

Iola lived all of her life in Cass County. She taught a lot of students, many of them in one room schools for several years. Iola liked Cass County history and helped and enjoyed many of the county’s museums, including the Log Cabin Museum and Southwestern College Museum. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially in her garden. Iola loved time spent with the grand and great grandchildren.

Iola will be greatly missed by family and friends. Left to honor her and remember her love are her son, Donald Holtz of Cassopolis; one granddaughter, Heather Bangtson of Edwardsburg; two grandsons, Patrick (wife, Nikki) Holtz of Three Rivers, Darin (wife, Jamie) Holtz of Edwardsburg; eight beloved great grandchildren, Matthew Bangtson, Davis Dickerson, Thomas Bangtson, Audrey Dickerson, Victoria Cole, Alexis Holtz, Jackson Holtz, Amelia Holtz; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Funeral service will be Thursday, May 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home with the Reverends Rob Meckley, Ross Tarantino and Kendall Holder officiating. Mrs. Holtz will be laid to rest beside her late husband, James L. Holtz, in Adamsville Cemetery in Edwardsburg, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions in Iola’s memory be made to either, Cass County Historical Commission, c/o Cass District Library, 319 M 62, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or, First Church of God, 21083 Spencer Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or, Cass Medical Care Facility, 23770 Hospital Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.