Ruth Holland

Oletha Ruth Holland, 93 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Friday evening, January 8, 2021 at her home. She was born October 12, 1927 in Quail, Texas to the home of James Herbert Winegeart and the former Vetres May Furgson. She attended primary school in Quail, TX before her family moved to Pleasant Hill, NM where she attended and graduated from high school. While living in Pleasant Hill Ruth met Glenn Holland. They were married on June 29, 1946 at the Methodist Church in Portales. They made their home in Fort Sumner in 1953 where they raised their family. Ruth worked for Leo Martin's Drug Store, Teeter's Department Store, and Franks Country Store. She also operated The Food Stand across from the school for 6 years. In 1958 Ruth attended St. Mary's Nursing School in Roswell, NM where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse Degree. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Fikany, the De Baca General Hospital, and Pecos Valley Care Center. She retired from nursing after 44 years on November 1, 2002. Ruth grew up in the Methodist Church. She was a longtime member of the Valley Quilting Club, served as a State Delegate for the Fort Sumner Bowling Association. She also enjoyed her visits to the Casinos with her friends. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Glenn Holland in 2019, a daughter Glenda Collins, two sons-in-law Bill Collins and Rick Giannini, all her siblings, brothers Othar, Herman, Paul, Solan, Bobby, sisters, Ina Roberts and Juanita Foreman. Survivors include two children, a son Mel Holland (Pat) of Ruidoso, NM, and daughter Nancy Giannini of Fort Sumner, six grandchildren Brad Holland (Kasey) of Fort Sumner, Brooke Roper (Ryan) of Alto, NM, Michelle Bonds (Lyndel) of Fort Sumner, Michael Giannini of Fort Sumner, Marcus Giannini of Oklahoma City, OK, and William Collins of Prosperty, SC. Also surviving are 9 great grandchildren, Jordan and Derrick Holland, Faith and Payson Roper, Tra'von, Aubrey, Cayven, and Harley Bonds and Courtney Collins along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Due to the current NM Department of Health Guidelines, services are limited to family members. Please keep Ruth and her family in your prayers. You may leave an online tribute, share a favorite memory, or sign the online guest book at www.chavezfuneralhome.com Services were held at 2:00pm Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at First Baptist Church with family friend, Richard Terrell officiating. Interment followed in the family plot at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers included Michael Giannini, Marcus Giannini, Lyndel Bonds, Brad Holland, and Ryan Roper. Contributions in memory of Ruth Holland may be made to Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.