Arma Thompson Holman, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, at the age of 85. Arma was born November 11, 1939 in Cedar City, Utah; the third of five children born to Louis James Thompson and Hilda McConnell Thompson. Because she was born on Armistice day, which marked the beginning of peace after World War I, her parents named her Arma. Although she didn’t love her name, it was appropriate because she spent her life in service to others and brought peace to everyone she encountered.
When Arma was three years old, her family moved from Cedar City to Milford, Utah. Later, they moved to Lynndyl, Utah, where Arma lived until she was a sophomore in high school. Her family lived in a small two-bedroom home where all 3 sisters slept in the same bed. “We were happy and didn’t know we were poor,” she recalled. Arma was baptized at the Old Rock Church in Cedar City, Utah that her father helped build. Her childhood was filled with hard work and happiness as she helped her mother with household chores and enjoyed gardening with her dad.
Arma was an obedient child. Her mother taught her to pray and her love for the gospel of Jesus Christ was strong and deep. She always attended church, even though her parents never went with her. She knew she was never alone and that God was there for her. She carried her testimony and faithfulness throughout her life, holding firmly to her dream of becoming a wife and mother.
When she was a sophomore in high school, her family moved to Delta, Utah. During her junior year, Robert Holman called and asked her to the football banquet. It was love at first sight. Soon they were inseparable. While Rob went to college, Arma attended beauty school. They became engaged just before Rob left on his mission to New England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arma faithfully waited for him to return. As soon as he did, they were married 2 weeks later on April 14th, 1961 in the Manti Temple. She had waited 4 years for him and refused to wait any longer.
While waiting for Rob to return from his mission, Arma worked and saved to buy furniture for their first home together. She was so proud of their “cute little house” despite the bees in the bathroom and the crickets in the kitchen. They then moved to married student housing at BYU in Provo, Utah, before relocating to Sutherland, where they farmed for Robert’s uncle. After Rob began working for the telephone company, they bought a home in Delta where they raised their family.
Arma became a mother in 1962 when her first daughter, Pam, was born. Scott, Juile, Sharee, Brian, and Brad all followed, and Faith joined the family as an Indian placement student when she was 13 years old. Being their mother was the highlight of Arma’s life and she loved all her children deeply. She often recalled how raising her family was the happiest time of her life and she truly cherished taking care of them in every stage.
Even as her children grew, Arma never stopped being a caretaker. She cared for her mother until the day she died. She tended to her mother-in-law. She loyally cared for her dear husband, Rob, through many years of diabetes, becoming his nurse and dietician. She helped raise and influence many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would often make an extra plate of food to send to a neighbor and never declined an opportunity to serve.
Arma’s love, willingness to serve, and her tireless work ethic made her a force to be reckoned with. Her church service began as a teenager and continued throughout her life, serving in numerous callings. She taught Primary, Cub Scouts, Sunday School, and Young Womens. She was Young Womens President and served in the Relief Society Presidency twice.
Her home was always open and her table always full. She loved keeping her house clean and ensuring things were done well. She blessed many with her talents of cooking, gardening, baking, quilting, and crocheting. Her sense of humor was medicine and her non-judgemental nature made many feel safe and loved. Rarely did she complain or appear upset; she truly embodied the admonition to “push forward with steadfastness in Christ.”
Though Alzheimer's disease slowly took her memory in her later years, it never diminished her sense of humor or her love for serving others. She continued to care for everyone she met and brought peace to many hearts.
Arma leaves a lasting legacy of love, faith, service and hard work. Her advice to her posterity is to “pray often, keep the commandments, and trust the Lord to help you and He will.” She realized her dream of being a wife and mother and expanded that role to bring peace to all who knew her.
Arma was preceded in death by her husband: Robert; her parents; brothers: Mack and Bevan; and sister: Susie. She is survived by her sister, Kathy (Mike); 7 children: Pam (Lee) Broadhead, Scott (Karla), Julie (Gary) Griffin, Faith (Russ) Stevens, Sharee (Brian) Fassett, Brian (Julie), and Brad (Julie). Arma and Robert were married for over 62 years. They have 29 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services with be held on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 am, at the Delta 6th Ward Chapel, 125 White Sage Avenue. A Viewing will be held, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service . Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.