1938-2026
Theodora Croom Holloway, 87, of Bellefontaine, passed away on September 9, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, learning, and more than a few wind chimes and snow globes.
She was born on December 25, 1938, in Logansport, Louisiana.
Theodora was the beloved wife of Vance Holloway, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. During their time together, they lived in 14 different houses in several states, including Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, and finally Ohio. She was a devoted mother to Allison Holloway and Stephanie (Ty) Rader, and a cherished grandmother to Madison (Thomas) Kleinfelter. She is also survived by her niece, Pam (George) O’Quinn; nephew Will (Linda) Croom; and great-nephew, Hunter Croom, all of Virginia. Cherished family also includes several sisters and brothers in law, nieces and nephews from the Holloway side.
Theodora was very close to her older brother, William Croom, who preceded her in death by only two months. William and his family were a huge part of Theodora’s life, and the yearly visits to Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland were some of the highlights each year.
Theodora graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana where she met Vance. Not only did she enjoy her studies there but was active in many campus activities. She instilled a sense of excitement in university life and studies in both her daughters and granddaughter.
Theodora spent 21 years teaching fifth-grade mathematics at West Liberty-Salem Schools. She undoubtedly taught her students that numbers mattered – but she also understood that there were some things that simply could not be measured: the love of family, the joy of a good vacation, or the happiness brought by a really good seashell. Theodora was not only an accomplished teacher but was also very involved in her students’ well-being.
After retiring from teaching, Theodora opened and operated The Village Bookery in West Liberty for many years, combining her love of books with her love of people and community. She was an avid bike rider, and she and Vance spent many hours enjoying rides on local bike trails. Theodora loved a good shopping day and enjoyed trips to the malls with her daughters and granddaughter. She also was involved in horse shows – not as a participant, but as the best fan and cheerleader from the stands that anyone could ask for. Her support in watching Vance, Stephanie, and Madison show was unwavering.
Theodora enjoyed traveling, and her trips to Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda, the West Coast, and the Caribbean Islands provided her with wonderful memories. One of her favorite places in the world was New Smyrna Beach, where she spent many happy vacations. She loved walking along the shore, collecting seashells, and enjoying the simple pleasures of being near the ocean. Her collections of wind chimes and snow gloves were further evidence that Theodora had a special appreciation for beautiful little things – and perhaps a willingness to find just one more spot on the shelf for them. She was a lover of music of all kinds, and enjoyed playing her piano and organ, and was a member of the bell choir at church for many years.
She also had a soft spot for cats, who were not merely pets, but important members of the family. Her love for animals was evident in many aspects, but maybe most evident in the responsibility she felt to provide them with food. Theodora was a great cook, and after cooking a delicious meal for family get-togethers, she would carefully bag the leftover scraps and carry them down the road to an area that she knew was frequented by raccoons and possums and leave the extra food for the wildlife to enjoy.
She will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to her students, her love of books and the beach, her collections of treasured keepsakes, her affection for animals, and her ability to find happiness in life’s small pleasures. She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly – and countless memories that will continue to bring smiles long after the tears have dried.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
A celebration of Theodora’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1-3 at Heritage Hall – 2793 Sandusky Street, Zanesfield, Ohio 43360.
In appreciation of Theodora’s love of cats, memorial contributions can be made to: Logan County TNR Project, PO Box 102, Huntsville, OH 43324, https://logancountytnr.wixsite.com/logancountytnr/donate? OR His Hands Extended Sanctuary, 1560 Dialton Road, St. Paris, OH 43072, https://hhesclinic.wixsite.com/animal-sanctuary/donate
