Sue B. Holmes

Sue Ellen Barnum Holmes, 84, of Ransomville, New York, went home to be with Jesus on June 25, 2026, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, surrounded by love. Her passing came in the quiet early morning hours — a peaceful and sacred moment that her family will forever hold close.

Born August 8, 1941, in Lockport, New York, Sue was the daughter of the late Fred and Shirley (Woodside) Barnum. She grew up in Barker, New York, and was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mom, Grammie, and Mimi—whose greatest joy was her family. She will be remembered for her warmth and for the way she made those around her feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

Sue is survived by her devoted husband, Walter—and they took loving care of each other throughout their nearly 62-year marriage. She is also survived by her children, Kurt Holmes, and Kelli (Dan) Putney, the grandchildren she adored, Alex (Eli) Dennis, Fred Holmes, Jack Putney, and Katie Putney. She was predeceased by her younger sisters, Molly (Greg) Cigal and Judy Barnum.

Sue attended the University at Albany and then graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the State University of New York at Brockport. She loved being a teacher, and had her first job teaching fourth grade at Lewiston-Porter Elementary. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Sue committed herself to being the best darn substitute teacher you ever saw, working throughout the Wilson Central School District, in classrooms from kindergarten through Grade 12. To this day, her family is stopped by former students who say she was their favorite, and often remember her doing “The Lion Hunt,” the “Three Ways to Get Peanut Butter Off the Roof of Your Mouth,” and the “Swimming Pool” songs. From 1987 to 2002, Sue was Director of the Ransomville Free Library, a role she adored and where she was also beloved by the community.

Sue was a member of the Ransomville Fire Company Auxiliary for more than 50 years, and an avid Buffalo Bills fan since the team’s inception, converting a spare bedroom of their home into a Bills memorabilia room in later years. She was always an active member of a United Methodist Church congregation throughout her life, including Ransomville UMC, North Ridge UMC, and ultimately, Pendleton Center UMC. She and Walt led youth groups and taught Sunday School to teenagers, who adored her friendship and her stories.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Sue’s amazing Niagara Hospice staff—especially nurse, Jodie Neadow, her aide, Rachel, and her private aides—Cindy, Lindsay, and Tanya, and all the caregivers at Hospice House for their compassion, tenderness, and support.

The family will be present on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 4-7 PM at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, NY. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, 6864 Campbell Boulevard in Pendleton at 10 AM, immediately followed by a luncheon at the church for all who want to celebrate Sue and her beautiful life. Interment will be in Somerset Cemetery.

Friends and family may donate in Sue’s memory to the Ransomville Free Library (3733 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, NY 14131), the Ransomville Fire Company, 2521 Youngstown Lockport Road, Ransomville, NY 14131 or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. 

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com.