Robin Ann Holladay, 68, passed away peacefully at home on April 15th, 2025 after a valiant fight with brain cancer.
A lifelong Douglas County resident, Robin was one for four children born to Robert Lee and Helen “Jean” (Kratky) Etherton on August 6th, 1956, in Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Scott.
A 1974 graduate of Lawrence High School, Robin enjoyed playing in the marching band, which played in the Rose Bowl parade and was a majorette her senior year. She was involved with Job’s Daughters and was a Kanwaka Literary Club member. She was also a member of the Kanwaka 4-H club in her youth and took part in many activities and events with her husband and sons when they joined the Jayhawk 4-H club. After high school, she attended the Kansas City Business School and married her high school sweetheart, Willard L. Holladay Jr.
The majority of her career was spent at the University of Kansas. While working at the University, she established many friendships and relationships throughout the years. She provided her expertise to multiple departments, the most recent being the Human Resources Shared Service Center. In 2021, she retired after 40+ years of service.
Away from work, Robin greatly treasured babysitting her grandchildren often, spending time with family, and watching KU & Kansas City Chiefs sporting events. She also helped her sons work on 4-H projects and had a passion for restoring antique camelback trunks. She loved to sew and quilt, and mended generations of clothing. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed spending time outside, canning salsa for her family, picking blueberries with her grandkids, and always being asked to make her famous pea salad for special occasions.
Robin is survived by her husband of 49 years Willard; sons Dustin, and Jason (Emily); granddaughters Hailey and Shelby; her sister Diane Etherton Page (Darrell), and her brother Mark. She is also survived by her other sisters(in-law) Velma Flory, Gloria Musick (John) and Majorie Hoffman; brother-in-law Robert Holladay (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services for Robin Ann Holladay, 68, Lawrence, Will be 10 am, Monday, April 21, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Lawrence Humane Society in Robin’s memory. Special thanks to the members of the Home Health Care team who made her, and Willard’s lives easier and to nurses at Kansas City Hospice.
Robin was a wonderful person to know and to work with. She was always friendly and approachable, and she always knew the answers. What we will most about her was her smile, which would light up our day. Our deepest condolences to her family. Robin will be remembered as a person who brought out the best in everyone.
Willard & family – we are sadden to hear of Robin’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. May your memories bring you peace.
Just would like to thank all for the words of condolence and appreciation for Robin. She touched so many lives. Loved and enjoyed her job. THANKS to all
I got to work with Robin for years at KU, and she was always kind and understanding–in person and over email. She was just so easy to get along with. I got to see her after she retired, and she seemed happy to be able to spend more time with her family. She told me a great story about meeting her husband, and it was clear how much she loved all of you. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I was so surprised to read of Robin’s passing. We worked together for many years at KU. She was such a smart sweet lady and always had a smile. She had a great sense of humor. She was so proud of her boys and loved her family so very much. She will be truly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. RIP Robin!
I was so surprised to read of Robin’s passing. We worked together for many years at KU. She was such a smart sweet lady and always had a smile. She had a great sense of humor. She was so proud of her boys and loved her family so very much. She will be truly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. RIP Robin!
We cannot know the sorrow that your heart must have to bear. So we’re sending this to tell you that our thoughts are with you now. Will miss visits with Robin, when in Lawrence. She always made me smile, each visit was just like we never had time lapse. It was wonderful to hear about each other’s families, and activities going on. What a joy family and friends were to Robin. Will miss her greatly. With deepest sympathy, Susan & Bob McKellip
I was saddened to hear of Robin’s passing. While I didn’t work closely with her in the KU English Department, I knew her as a gracious and warm person who made a difference in the lives of everyone around her, whether students, staff, or faculty. Thank you, Robin!
I worked for a long time with Robin in the English Department, and she was there for lots of important times in my life, including the birth of my son. She was kind and funny, and also full of good sense. She helped many young teachers and students navigate KU and was so reassuring when they made mistakes. I am so sorry that she had to fight this illness, and my heart goes out to her family.
So deeply sorry for your loss. From classmate at LHS to coworkers in the English Department she was always a wonderful person to have for a friend.
Robin was a truly remarkable lady — always fun to be around and sweet in so many ways. She will be missed in our family, especially on sister trips. She fought a long and courageous battle and yet inspired everyone around her. We know she is now at peace and with our Lord.
So sad to hear of her passing. Robin and I were classmates in the one-room school house at Kanwaka as first grade students – I’ve known her forever it seems… with our families being so close in the Kanwaka community years ago. I enjoyed reconnecting when I moved back to Lawrence and worked at KU and we’d see each other there. Sending warm thoughts to Diane and Mark – and Willard, and family too. My heart is full of sympathy to all. Valerie Farley Moreau
Willard and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, you will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Robin was always a warm, welcoming presence at KU. Quick with a smile and a laugh that could put you at ease, she really helped ease my transition into life on Mount Oread. I’m sending all my sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.
I am so, so sorry to hear the news of Robin’s passing. She was such a joy to work with in KU’s English Department—she just radiated warmth, had a great sense of humor, immense patience, and made work a pleasant to be. And she was always so kind to my son—he loved her goldfish bowl (it must have been full of candy?!? LOL) and talking to her when he accompanied me to work. She was definitely missed when she moved over to the SSC (although it brightened my days when I could hop over to Strong Hall to employ her notary services and spend a few minutes chatting with her!)—she will be more deeply missed now. Wishing you the comfort of many happy memories.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I enjoyed getting to know Robin during her time in KU English. She always had a way of making me laugh, bringing a light touch to tedious things. Such a great story teller too! She will be missed.
I am so very sad to hear this. Robin was in the English department for years before she was moved to the SSC and my colleagues and I loved her. She was funny, joyful and caring. My prayers and condolences to your family.
Robin was such a warm and bright presence during her many years in the English Department. She helped GTAs feel at home and was always ready to help anyone with any need. It was a sad day when she had to move to the SSC because she was part of our English family. It’s an even sadder one now. I know she will be deeply missed by so many and I send my deepest sympathy to her closest and dearest.
Robin served the Communication Studies department before I started at KU, and before she retired worked with us again in the Shared Service Center HR area. She was kind, funny and lovely and always helpful to anyone who needed it. She was supportive and a role model and mentor for new staff. I am so sorry for your loss. We were all so lucky to know Robin. Wishing you comfort and peace at this time.
Robin was very kind and gentle person. I was friends with her husband Willard and didn’t know they married. To Willard and family I am truly sorry for your loss.
We will really miss Robin, she was fun on our girl trips. She loved our shopping trips! RIP Robin Ann, we all love you!
Robins quirky smile and laugh will be so missed at the family gatherings (not to mention the pea salad). No matter how many times Jackie says that two brother’s marrying JR High friends is too cliche, it was a story for the ages and we are happy we got to be part of it.
I really enjoyed being around Robin in the SSC. She was so kind, had lovely stories, shared her smiles and made my day brighter being around her. She set an example I strived to adopt by maintaining her classy demeanor and kindness even when she was upset or frustrated.
She will sorely be missed but will be waiting with open arms for her loved ones who meant the world to her.
May your memories, love, friends and family bring you peace in your time of grief.
My deepest sympathies to all of her loved ones. She was always a true delight to work with.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Robin always had a smile and was always willing to help if you needed it. She was a special person. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Robin when we were both transferred to the Shared Service Centers. She was a wealth of information and a great colleague. She will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss. I appreciated Robin greatly and worked closely with her in HR (we backed up each other’s departments when the other was off for the day). She always had a good word, smile or story to share with friends over breaks. She was a blessing to many and know she will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.
May she rest in peace, condolences to family. A great person and swim classmate.
Sorry for your loss. Robin and I met in grade school (Wakarusa Valley) and remained friends in high school in Marching Band. Prayers for the family. She was always a happy person and will be greatly missed.
Willard and family,
So sorry for your loss! It’s sad to lose a classmate and longtime member of the KU English and University community.
We enjoyed Robin’s company and insight during 4-H activities. She was a very active and involved participant. Her smile could portray her personality. She will be missed .
Robin is my sister from another mother. She was a very sweet and kind lady. We will miss her everyday, and on our sister trips. Have a blessed trip into Heaven. Love you!
Robin was such a positive presence in the world. Her smile and good humor lifted every moment. What a loss. I am so sorry.
So sorry to hear of your loss Willard and boys. She was such a funny person to be around always happy around people. She will be missed by all her friends and family. May she rest now in peace.
Too Willard and Family, so sorry for your loss, may she rest in peace…Mike and Rose…