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Brenda Holdren, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born May 19, 1955 in Albion, the daughter of Gordon and Dagmar (Dean) Ketchum, and moved to Three Rivers 15 years ago coming from Ft. Myers, Fla.
Brenda loved her family, loved animals, and was very outgoing. There was not a stranger that she didn’t strike up a conversation with — everywhere she went. If she thought you were hungry, she’d offer a meal. If you were cold, she’d offer a warm place to rest. She’d give the shirt off her back to anyone who might need it.
Her eldest granddaughter remembers her this way: “Of all of the wonderful memories I have with my grandma, some of my favorites have to be of the many holidays we celebrated together in her home. More specifically on her front porch. Which is where she would greet you when you pulled into the driveway. That’s where we dyed hard boiled eggs for Easter, where we drank cheap green beer for St. Patrick’s Day, where we ate our weight in burgers and hotdogs while playing with sparklers for the 4th of July, and of course where we handed out candy by the handful and incorrectly guessed every child’s costume for Halloween. When I think back on these moments I was able to share with her it brings me so much joy and laughter, and this overwhelming feeling of unconditional love. Which is all she ever would have wanted for me, or for any of her loved ones. I feel so lucky that I will be able to pass along those memories and traditions to her great grandson. She is going to be missed more than words can express, but her memory will forever be present in our lives as long as there is laughter.”
Remaining to cherish her memory are her son, Erik (Tonia) Hamilton; daughter, Tori Holdren; grandchildren, Ayana Bresler (Blayne Wooden), Erika Hamilton, Alexis Hernandez, Hailey Hamilton, and Jayla Bonds; great-grandson, Blayne Lowell Wooden Jr.; sister, Belle Stahl; great-nephews, Ian Ketchum and Dean Nichols.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol Ketchum; and niece, Candy Ketchum (Nichols).
In accordance with family wishes, cremation will be conducted, and a memorial service planned at a later date.
Donations in Brenda’s name may be directed to St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
