Evelyn Genevieve "Gene" Holmdahl passed away on November 9, 2009 at the Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center. Gene was born to Oliver and Hatty Rupp on June 3, 1913 in Elliot, Iowa. She later married Walter J. Holmdahl in Dodge City, Kansas in 1937.

The family moved from Kansas to California, spending time working on ranches in Solvang and Watsonville, before settling in the Lompoc area in 1950. Gene worked retail as a sales clerk for J.C. Penney Co. on West Ocean and Stalkers Men's Apparel. Beyond her work in retail, she helped operate the family feed store at the Rancho San Miguelito, that the family purchased from the Talbert family in 1952.

The Alpha Club was a big part of Gene's civic involvement. She served as the organization's president locally and regionally. Her involvement included promotion of literacy improvement, the annual flower show, hospital bonds and she was the major donor and driving force behind the mural on the Alpha Club house.

She was selected "Woman of the Year," by many local organizations. Served as president of the Lompoc Women's Republican Club and had the privilege to attend Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1981. After her husband of 61 years passed away in 1998, she finished his term on the Santa Barbara County Fair Board, before serving another term of her own. Other service involvement included member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Santa Barbara Cowbells, 4-H Leader, 4-H Trail Rider, Business for Beauty for City, Past Mariners Club President, President of the Presbyterian Women's Association, serves as Deacon for the Church and for over 25 years involved in the Presbyterian Church Harvest Dinners.

Gene is survived by her son, DeWayne (Bonnie) Holmdahl of Lompoc; grandchildren Dennis (Brigitte) Holmdahl of Irvine, California, Sherrie (Micheal) Beyen of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Donald (Christine) Holmdahl of Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Theresa (Jim) Cline of Heavener, Oklahoma; step-grandsons Micah Brogan of Bekersfield, California and Timothy Brogan of Charleroi, Pennsylvania; 11 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson.

A visitation will be held at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Sunday from 3 to 7pm. A private graveside service will be held, followed by a public memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday at 10am with Pastor Julia Leeth.

In lieu of flower, donations should be made to the First Presbyterian Church Gene Holmdahl Memorial Garden Fund.