Freeman and Ovella Holt, Owners of the Crystal Rock Inn for 35 years
Freeman Holt, age 84, and Ovella Holt (nee Jacobs), age 72, of Lorain, both died Tuesday, February 18, 2003 following lengthy illnesses. Ovella died at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain at 5:29 PM and Freeman died at his residence at 10:00 PM.Freeman was born on May 27, 1918 in Emery, Alabama, and Ovella was born on January 18, 1931, in Damascus, Virginia, having lived in Lorain most of their lives.
Freeman served in the US Army during World War II, participating in the battles and campaigns of Southern France, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, and Northern Apennines. He received the Distinguished Unit Badge, European African, Middle Eastern Service Medal with 1 Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars.
The Holts were the owners and operators of the Crystal Rock Inn, Lorain for 35 years, selling the business in 1977. Prior to this, Mr. Holt worked for Ford Motor Company.
The Holts enjoyed watching and feeding birds and were both fans of the Cleveland Indians since 1948. Ovella also enjoyed bowling and bingo, and Freeman also enjoyed fishing and reading.
Surviving are their sons, Jim Jacobs, of Tulsa, OK, Butch Jacobs, of Lorain, Byron Jacobs, of Amherst, and Tim Jacobs, of Lorain, a daughter, Tammy Jacobs-Losiewicz, of Lorain, 16 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
Ovella is also survived by her brothers, Larry Garrett, of Pennsylvania, Bobby Garrett, of Vermilion, sisters, Mary Shippe, of Sheffield, and Linda Krajac, of Anaheim, CA.
They were preceded in death by their son, Bruce Jacobs in 1999, daughter, Diana Jacobs-Kordeleski, in 1976, and Kathy Jacobs.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 21, 2003 from 6:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 8:00 PM in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Rev. Lee Stull, pastor of Kipton Community Church, will officiate.
Contributions can be made if desired to the Holt Remembrance Fund at any Bank One Location.