Ilene Foust Holmes

Ilene Foust Holmes, age 91, died peacefully surrounded by her family on October 25, 2025. Her passing was 12 years to the day after the passing of her husband, Roy Edward (Ed) Holmes.

Ilene was born in Blount County Alabama on March 3, 1934. She was the last surviving child of Ollie Leon Foust and Era Calvert Foust. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Ervin C. Foust (Lois), Robert Frank Foust (Sarah), and James Howard Foust, and her sister Pauline Thames (Jack). She is survived by her son Jeff (Mona) and her grandson Nathan (Katie).

Ilene‘s young life was full of music – singing and playing piano. She sang in quartets and entertained veterans at the VA hospital and at VFW conventions at Boutwell Auditorium. She had a beautiful singing voice and could play anything on the piano.

Ilene was married to Ed Holmes for over 60 years. After Ed retired from a manufacturing management position in 1982, she and Ed founded Holmes Clothier. Starting with no experience in retail sales, they developed a successful ladies clothing business with customers all over the country. Ilene had a talent for finding the perfect attire for any occasion for her clientele. They operated Holmes Clothier for 30 years, all the while flourishing as a couple and making many lasting friendships.

Ilene lived a beautiful life. She brightened every room she entered. She genuinely cared for people and made time for their concerns. And she was especially attentive to her family, setting an example by her actions of a nurturing and sustaining spouse, parent, mother-in-law, and grandparent. The center of her life was her Lord Jesus Christ. At the appropriate time, those who crossed her path heard about her Lord in a humble, non-judgmental, yet passionate presentation.

Ilene was courageous and kind and compassionate and giving. Our sadness in her passing is tempered by our fond loving memories of her life well lived, her lasting contribution and influence on our lives, and her eternal life.

A memorial service celebrating Ilene’s life will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Wednesday October 29, 2025, at 2 PM with visitation beginning at 1:15 and reception to follow. Ilene will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ilene’s memory to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 611 Riverchase Parkway West, Hoover, AL 35244, 205-988-5004.