Billie Ernestine Hickson Holmes, 83, lifelong resident of Deming passed away Monday February 1, 2016 at the Beehive Assisted Living Center surrounded by her husband and children.

Ernestine was born December 9, 1932 in Hurley to Clifton and Hattie Hickson.

The Hickson's moved to Deming where Ernestine attended the Deming Public Schools. She was Drum Major for the Deming High School Band; she made many lifelong friendships during her school years.

As a young mother and wife she had many interest and talents. She loved to sew, bake and was an exceptional cook. During a family vacation to California in the 1960's the family visited Knott's Berry Farm where she watched a baker turn a sheet cake into a doll cake; she then taught herself the technique and as a result her daughters and grand-daughters and neighbor's daughters were delighted to have these cakes for their birthday parties. She then went on to bake and decorate many beautiful wedding and birthday cakes.

She worked for the New Mexico State Highway Department until her retirement in 1993. After her retirement she became an artist. After learning to paint with acrylic and oil she went on to master water color and porcelain painting. Ernestine was a member of the Deming Arts Council. The Arts Council is planning a show of her work in August, 2016.

Ernestine is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Weldon Perry (Jack) Holmes; 4 children, Stephen Holmes, Susan Rutland (Dean), Jeff Holmes (Jesslyn) and Jill Holmes. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who will miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by both her parents and two siblings, Elizabeth and Estee.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday afternoon February 6, 2016 at 1 o'clock at Baca's Funeral Chapel with Pastor Cliff Jackson officiating. Concluding services and inurnment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception celebrating her life will be held at First Baptist Church following the inurnment.

The family request that Memorial Contributions be made to the First Baptist Church.