Carolyn J. Holder

Carolyn Switzer Holder, age 99, passed away October 1, 2012, following a brief illness. She was born June 7, 1913, to Isaac Elmer Switzer and Elizabeth Bowyer Switzer, whose families were early settlers in the Otterbein area. Carolyn was raised in the historic Otterbein Brown residence.
After graduating from Otterbein High School in 1931, she worked as a librarian at the Otterbein Public Library. She married George A. Holder and was an active partner in their farming and purebred Angus cattle business. She lived on their Benton County farm for seventy-six years.
Carolyn is survived by their five children: George H. Holder (wife Suzanne) of Menlo Park, CA; Ann Holder Chezem (husband James) of Frankfort; Franklin R. Holder (wife Betty Jo) of Lafayette; Alice Holder Hill (husband William) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; and Carolyn Sue Holder Price of Lafayette. Carolyn appreciated the support and help of longtime family friend, Jim Waber.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Julie Dunbar, Amy Holder, Susan Holder, Chris Stamm, Amy Engels, Allison Chandler, Laura Rusnak, Sylvia Hood, and Bill Price. She is also survived by a special niece, Carolyn Rowe, her namesake. She had twelve great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Carolyn had many interests. As a youngster, she experienced the unique historical perspective of seeing Civil War veterans in Otterbein and witnessing hometown troops returning from World War I. She saw first hand the modernization of agriculture from horse drawn steel plows to precision farm machinery.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of sixty-three years, George A. Holder, two brothers, Charles P. Switzer and John R. Switzer, and a son-in-law, Thomas M. Price.
Carolyn was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of Daughters of the American Revolution serving as Regent of the Fowler Chapter. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be remembered for her keen intellect, her positive attitude, her hospitality and her kindness to others.
Visitation will be Saturday October 6th from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel.
Funeral Service at 11 a.m.Saturday Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, followed by graveside services at Pond Grove Cemetery in Otterbein, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, the Otterbein Public Library or to the charity of donor?s choice. Online condolences send to www.soller-baker.com.