Rhea D. Holman

Rhea Dawn Holman died peacefully July 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born August 19, 1935, in Auburn, West Virginia, and was preceded in death by her parents, Eula Dail and Glade Spurgeon, and brother, Kendall Spurgeon, as well as the love of her life, her husband of 51 years, Ronald Lee (Johnny) Holman.

She is survived by sons, Paul (Lee) Holman of Huntsville, Texas and John (Laura) Holman of Hartville, Ohio and daughter, Cheryl Bolognese (Bob Stone, S.O.) of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren Derek (Beth) Holman of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Ashley Holman of Eugene, Oregon, Joseph Bolognese (Daisy Jimenez, S.O.) of Los Angeles, California, and step-grandson Jordan (Sabrina) Brunton of Ravenna, Ohio; as well as great grandchildren Bode and Dylan Holman, Sofia and Giana Bolognese, and Cordelia Brunton; and many nieces and nephews.

An honored graduate of East High School in Akron, Ohio, she listed (in the yearbook) that her “Future Plans” were to “have a successful, happy marriage and also become a first-class secretary” – she achieved both, and so much more. Rhea maintained life-long close friendships with her “sisterhood from the neighborhood”; becoming a part of each other’s families from the beginning and continuing through the years.

She worked professionally throughout most of her adult life, retiring from Kent State University after 26 years of service.

She enjoyed creating artwork and pursuing crafting. No matter where she found herself, it would become a welcoming, cheerful place. Anytime she left home, no matter the budget, she’d be so well-dressed and coordinated down to the finest detail that even strangers were smiling and commenting.

Rhea was an all-around wonderful woman, full of love, wisdom, humor, fairness, self-discipline – an extraordinary example from which to learn. She will be deeply missed by her family & friends, and they all have loads of great memories to look back on with a smile.

As per Rhea’s wishes, there will be no service or gathering…

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