Helen Holt

Heaven welcomed Bastrop resident Helen Dreibelbis Holt April 23, 2019. Helen
was predeceased by her parents Wilmer Dreibelbis and Faye Fugate Dreibelbis, brother
Logan Lyle Dreibelbis, and husband Ed Holt. She is survived by her son David Holt
(Nancy), granddaughters Erika Pesek (Chris) and Heather Burke (Steven) and great
grandchildren Lila Burke and Jonas Burke.
Helen was born in Richie, Missouri on July 28, 1920. At the age of 3, Helen's
family sold the farm (lock stock and barrel), boarded a train, and headed for the Rio
Grande Valley of Texas where they became citrus farmers in San Juan, Texas. Twenty
three families made the move from southwest Missouri to take advantage of the farm
land that was being developed.
Helen attended school in San Juan and graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo
High School in May of 1937. While enrolled at Mary Hardin Baylor (an all girls college)
she served tables in the school dining hall and met the love of her life. Ed Holt was a
campus boy who worked at the school farm n return for tuition and board. Since boys
were not allowed to graduate from Mary Hardin Baylor, Ed transferred to Baylor his
senior year. Helen ran out of money and returned to San Juan, but the romance
continued long distance. They were married on Christmas Day 1940 and celebrated their
77th wedding anniversary in 2017.
Helen earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree from
Southwest Texas State Teacher's College (Texas State) in San Marcos. She taught at
elementary schools in Laredo, San Marcos, and Austin for a total of 24 years. She valued
education and like to brag about the number of teachers in her family.
Helen could be described as a seamstress, crocheter, knitter, gardener, decorator,
calligrapher, artist, caregiver, cook, Bible student and faithful church member. She loved
to cook for friends and family who enjoyed fresh green beans from her garden,
homemade rolls, and coconut or lemon pie. She even made taco shells from scratch. Her
devotion to Ed set an example for others. After his death, she transferred her efforts to
caring for other residents of Argent Court. She lifted spirits by serving them ice cream
cones, hand painting birthday cards, or providing a smile and a listening ear.
The family thanks the caregivers at Argent Court Assisted Living Bastrop for the
care, love, and friendship they provided to the entire family the past two years. Special
thanks to Carol Barg and Mark Fisher for showing care and support for Helen during her
hospital stay the past month. Shirley Jones was a blessing in Helen's and Ed's lives for
many years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Helen on Saturday May 11, 2019 at
1:00pm. This service will be at Calvary Episcopal Church, 603 Cedar Street, Bastrop,
Texas. A reception will follow.
Memorial Contributions in honor of Helen may be made to Calvary Episcopal
Church P. O. Box 721, Bastrop, Texas 78602

Service

Memorial Contributions