Mabel Holmes, Baking Mix Pioneer, Dies
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.
Article
Subjects
Chelsea Milling Co.
Jiffy Mix
Chelsea High School
Ypsilanti Normal College
Ann Arbor Garden Club
National Farm and Garden Club
Detroit Institute of Arts
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
National Society of Colonial Dames
Michigan Historical Society
Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Mu Phi Musical Society
American Red Cross
Muehlig Funeral Chapel
Staffan Funeral Home
First Presbyterian Church
Oak Grove Cemetery
Obituary
Old News
Ann Arbor News
Mabel White Holmes
Howard Samuel Holmes
Dudley K. Holmes
Estelle B. White
Rev. Carl Geider
Howard Sumner Holmes