Margaret Ann Wells, of Vernonia, Ore., passed away on Jan. 4, 2024, of heart failure.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Margaret alongside her late sister, Ruby Wells Ifversen, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church, 17435 N.W. West Union Road in Portland. A big sing and jam will follow that evening at 7 p.m., at the Decoy Restaurant, 10710 St. Helens Rd., Linnton.

Born in Vernonia on Dec. 19, 1937, to Lewis Lester Wells and Maude Beck Wells, Margaret’s life was devoted to faith, family and to her vocation as a nurse. She moved to Tillamook when she was 16 to work as a mother’s helper on a dairy farm. She graduated from Tillamook High School in 1956 and attended the University of Oregon before marrying Richard W. Holmes in 1959. When her youngest child started school, Margaret returned to college. After her divorce she earned her degree in nursing from the University of Portland in 1981.

Margaret found her calling serving in rural communities. Her care touched many lives in small hospitals in Burns, Ontario and Newport. She was a tireless advocate for unions and was active with the Oregon Nurses Association. Upon retirement, Margaret returned to Vernonia, reconnected with her hometown, and built new friendships.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Margaret was a voracious reader, she reveled in the natural beauty of Oregon, she could conjure a delicious meal out of whatever was on hand, and she treasured family and friends.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Jennifer King (Joe) of Walla Walla, Wash.; son, and BUHS graduate, Charles “Chaz” Holmes (Denise) of Portland; daughter in love, Vici Peters of Vernonia; and sister, Patricia Adsit of Cornelius. Margaret is also survived by three grandchildren, their spouses, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

To honor Margaret, the family suggests that you speak up in your community against banning books. Donations in her memory can be made to the Friends of the Vernonia Public Library, 701 Weed Avenue, Vernonia, OR 97064, or to Christ Episcopal Church, 35350 E. Division Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051.