8/6/1956 – 4/15/2025
Lawrence
Robin Ann Holladay, 68, passed away peacefully at home on April 15th, 2025 after a valiant fight with brain cancer.
A lifelong Douglas County resident, Robin was one for four children born to Robert Lee and Helen “Jean” (Kratky) Etherton on August 6th, 1956, in Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Scott.
A 1974 graduate of Lawrence High School, Robin enjoyed playing in the marching band, which played in the Rose Bowl parade and was a majorette her senior year. She was involved with Job’s Daughters and was a Kanwaka Literary Club member. She was also a member of the Kanwaka 4-H club in her youth and took part in many activities and events with her husband and sons when they joined the Jayhawk 4-H club. After high school, she attended the Kansas City Business School and married her high school sweetheart, Willard L. Holladay Jr.
The majority of her career was spent at the University of Kansas. While working at the University, she established many friendships and relationships throughout the years. She provided her expertise to multiple departments, the most recent being the Human Resources Shared Service Center. In 2021, she retired after 40+ years of service.
Away from work, Robin greatly treasured babysitting her grandchildren often, spending time with family, and watching KU & Kansas City Chiefs sporting events. She also helped her sons work on 4-H projects and had a passion for restoring antique camelback trunks. She loved to sew and quilt, and mended generations of clothing. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed spending time outside, canning salsa for her family, picking blueberries with her grandkids, and always being asked to make her famous pea salad for special occasions.
Robin is survived by her husband of 49 years Willard; sons Dustin, and Jason (Emily); granddaughters Hailey and Shelby; her sister Diane Etherton Page (Darrell), and her brother Mark. She is also survived by her other sisters(in-law) Velma Flory, Gloria Musick (John) and Majorie Hoffman; brother-in-law Robert Holladay (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services for Robin Ann Holladay, 68, Lawrence, Will be 10 am, Monday, April 21, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Lawrence Humane Society in Robin’s memory. Special thanks to the members of the Home Health Care team who made her, and Willard’s lives easier and to nurses at Kansas City Hospice.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com
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