Elizabeth Ann Holmes

Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Downey McAfee Holmes, 79, formerly of Hartford City, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, in Indianapolis.   She was born January 17, 1944, in Indianapolis to the late Bowman and Priscilla (Blasingham) Downey. 

Betsy graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1962 and attended Ball State University.  While at Ball State she met Donald McAfee and they married in 1964.  Don passed away in 1989 after 25 years of marriage.

Betsy, Don and sons Bill and Bob moved to Hartford City in 1969.  She was employed for many years at 3M.  She was a member of Tri Kappa sorority and also volunteered with United Way and Hartford City Little League.  Blackford students of the era may recall her as “Petunia”, a name of unknown origin that Don used in class.

After Don’s death, Betsy returned to Indianapolis.  In 1994 she married Richard Holmes, and they recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. 

Betsy grew up attending Indianapolis Second Presbyterian Church, and after returning to the city she and Richard became members.

One of Betsy’s great loves was traveling.  She and Richard enjoyed numerous trips to Europe, but her favorite destination was always the beach - Florida, Cayman Islands, Hilton Head Island.  Particularly memorable were vacations with all the children and grandchildren to Aruba and Cancun.

Betsy also loved all things Christmas.  Despite protests to the contrary, she would always dive in to decorate the house, bake untold quantities of cookies and pies, and spoil her family with way too many gifts.  Above all Christmas (and almost any other holiday) typically involved a great gathering of the Downey clan.

Betsy is survived by her husband, Richard; sons Bill (Kristi) McAfee of Westfield, IN and Bob (Melissa) McAfee of Holland, MI; step-daughter Regina Holmes of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Matt (Kylie) McAfee of Hartford City, Delaney McAfee of Castle Rock, CO, Kinsey McAfee of Westfield, IN, Brody McAfee of Westfield, IN, Maura McAfee of Holland, MI, and Billy McAfee of Grand Rapids, MI; great-grandchild Charlotte McAfee of Hartford City; siblings Brandt (Judy) Downey III of Bloomington, IN, Rebecca Downey (Rik) Hagarty of Carmel, IN, and Katherine Downey Mummert of Speedway, IN; sisters-in-law Judy (Billie Lofland) McAfee of Asheville, NC and Janet McAfee of Travelers Rest, SC; numerous nieces / nephews and great-nieces / nephews.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don McAfee; brother-in-law Bill Mummert.

A private family service will be held in Indianapolis.  A public celebration of life will be planned at a later date.  Interment will be with her first husband Don at Gardens of Memory in Muncie, IN.