Press enter after choosing selection

Mabel Holmes, Baking Mix Pioneer, Dies

Mabel Holmes, Baking Mix Pioneer, Dies image
Parent Issue
Ann Arbor News, November 25, 1977
Day
25
Month
November
Year
1977
Copyright
Copyright Protected
Rights Held By
Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
Obituary
OCR Text

A-2 The Ann Arbor News, Friday

Mabel Holmes, Baking Mix Pioneer, Dies

Mabel W. Holmes, co-owner of the Chelsea Milling Co. which makes “Jiffy Mixes,” died Thursday at John Knox Retirement Village at the age of 86.

Mrs. Holmes was the widow of Howard S. Holmes. After her marriage to him in 1912, they pioneered in the development of prepared baking mixes. After his death in 1936, she and her twin sons, Howard S. and Dudley, continued to direct the family-owned business.

She was born Dec. 1, 1890, in Mattoon, Ill., and was graduated from Chelsea High School in 1907 and from Ypsilanti Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University, a few years later. She taught school in Illinois until her marriage.

IT WAS SHE who thought of the name “Jiffy Mix” and developed the formula that was used in the mix. She remained active in the firm’s affairs almost until her death.

Mrs. Holmes was a member of the Ann Arbor Garden Club and the National Farm and Garden Club chapter in Ann Arbor.

She was also a member of the Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and the Historical Society of Michigan.

She was an honorary member of Mu Phi Musical Society and of Kappa Alpha Theta, a social sorority. In her younger years, she was active in the American Red Cross.

IN ADDITION TO her sons, Mrs. Holmes is survived by a sister, Mrs. Estelle B. White, of Franklin, Ind., eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Two funeral services will be held: one at 10 a.m. Saturday at Muehlig’s Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, and the other at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Staffan’s Funeral Home, Chelsea. The Rev. Carl Geider of First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor, will officiate at both services. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.