Shelly Holmes

Parshall

Shelly Elaine Holmes, age 64, of Parshall, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, under the care of the wonderful nurses, staff, and her devoted sister, Joni.

Shelly was born on July 5, 1961, and was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She made a lasting impact on everyone she met with her warmth, creativity, and generous spirit.

On June 23, 1984, Shelly married the love of her life, Steven Holmes, in Towner, ND. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared passions for 42 wonderful years. For 31 of those years, they owned and operated the Big Water Bottle Shop in Parshall, where Shelly was known for her dedication, hard work, and welcoming presence. After Steve’s passing in 2021, Shelly retired, cherishing the memories of the life and business they built side by side.

Shelly had a lifelong love of horses, and in her younger years, she raced her horse, Musky, with fearless enthusiasm. She was also an exceptional walleye angler, forming an inseparable duo with Steve on the water. Many of their happiest days were spent fishing together on the lake, surrounded by nature and each other’s company.

A gifted artist, Shelly had the rare ability to recreate any image she saw — whether drawing from memory or freehand — capturing detail and emotion with ease. Her creativity extended into the kitchen, where she was a masterful cook and baker. She made everything from scratch — meals filled with flavor, warmth, and love. She also found joy in her garden, nurturing flowers and vegetables with the same care she gave to her family and friends.

Shelly was a woman of strength, integrity, and compassion. She adored her family and lived her life in service to those she loved. Her deep love for her husband, Steve; her son, Eric; and her grandson, Noah, was the heart of her world. Her legacy of love, resilience, and creativity will live on in all who knew her.

Shelly was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; her parents, Alton and Theresa; her sister, Vickie; and her brother, Bryan. She is survived by her son, Eric; her grandson, Noah; her sisters, Joni Wolf (Ron) of Fargo, and Deanna Miller (Ray) of Sawyer; her brothers, Kerry Ellis of Minot and Ronnie Ellis of Fargo; as well as many extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and friendship.

A celebration of Shelly’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Gallows in Towner, ND, with a private family burial to follow at Berwick Cemetery.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Towner. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 20, 2025.