SOLDIER-Coral Pauline Holliday, 96, of Soldier, Kansas, died September 13, 2007 at the Community Hospital in Onaga, KS. She was born September 15, 1910, near Severy, KS, the second of four children born to Charles Felix and Olive "Maggie" Helms Shell.
Coral accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was a member of the Soldier Christian Church at the time of her death. She attended public schools in the Hutchinson area as well as the State Teachers' College in Emporia, KS. She taught grade school children in the Hutchinson area before her marriage to Floyd B. Holliday of Soldier, KS on April 18, 1931, in McPherson, KS. The couple lived in the America City and Soldier communities where their five children were born: Forrest Leonard, Donelda Marie, Ralph Farrel, Floyd Melvin and Felix Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Forrest and Ferrington; sister, Mercedes Shultz; husband, Floyd B.; son, Floyd Melvin; daughter, Donelda M. and a great granddaughter, Carissa Denise Holliday.
Survivors include sons; Forrest L. Holliday and wife Donna, Havensville KS; R. Farrel Holliday and wife Ruth of Soldier KS; Felix N. Holliday and wife Kathy, Smithville MO; fourteen grandchildren: Kirk, Kelly, Jon, David, Kip, Paula and Dennis Holliday; Kim White, Kary Steins. Lori Messer, Ange Allen, Melanie Binkley, Ken Jeanneret and Amy Cox; 40 great grandchildren, sisters in law; Esther Shell and Grace Holliday; three nephews, Llorwell, Wallace and Cletus Shultz; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Coral was an active member of the Soldier community for many years. Her faith in the face of tragedy was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was an avid gardener and worked side by side with her husband and children in the livestock, farming and dairy operations. She stayed on the farm in her own home following the untimely death of her husband in 1970, farming in partnership with Farrel and Ruth. Coral became a "world" traveler. The highlight of her travel experiences was reached in 1980 when she visited the Holy Land. Her relatives and friends relished the opportunity to visit in her home for "coffee break". She made "melt in your mouth" cookies in abundance and was noted for the tall angel food cakes and luscious homemade noodles. Coral was happiest when surrounded by her family and sharing her multi-course meals with them. In later years she took up crocheting afghans and doilies for family and friends. Her colorful creations adorn many homes throughout the nation. In early 2006 Coral entered Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia KS, where she received much tender loving care until her passing.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be in the Soldier Cemetery. Memorials are Donor's Choice.