In Loving Memory of Ann Louise Headlee (Holmes) 1937 – 2026

Ann Headlee Holmes, a cornerstone of healthcare and compassion in the San Luis Valley, passed away on June 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of grace, purpose, and dedicated service.

An esteemed nurse, leader, and advocate, Ann spent her life nurturing everything and everyone around her. Her immense contributions to regional healthcare culminated in her proud induction into the SLV Medical Hall of Fame in 2018.

A Life of Growth and Purpose: Born in the small community of Los Sauses in 1937, Ann grew up on the Headlee Hereford/Cross Arrow Ranch. She attended the local country school before graduating from Alamosa High School in 1955. She attended Adams State College for three years, majoring in elementary education, before moving to Michigan.

In Michigan, Ann devotedly raised her four daughters. Putting her own career dreams on hold, she poured her energy into community service—School Board president, PTA president, little league board member, perpetual room mother, active PEO sister and volunteer probation officer to name a few. She was the neighborhood mom-all were welcome in her home on Glengary. These diverse experiences prepared her for the wide variety of challenges she would face in her future nursing career and in life.

A Pioneering Nursing Career: In 1979, Ann graduated from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, with an Associate RN Degree. After working at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, she returned home to the San Luis Valley in 1980, joining the Alamosa Community Hospital, where she assumed many responsibilities due to staff shortages.

Ann went on to shape healthcare leadership across the Valley: Director of Nursing at the Colorado State Veterans Center Home Lake for four years, a role she called the "love of my career." Director of Nursing, Assistant Administrator, and Director of Long-term Care at Conejos County Hospital. Public Health and County Nursing, spending a decade with Public Health and two years with the Alamosa County Nursing Service, all while managing the care of her own aging parents.

Courageous Leadership & Community Advocacy: Ann’s heart extended far beyond the hospital walls. When others were fearful, she stood on the front lines to care for the region's first AIDS patients and was active with the AIDS Coalition.

Ann dedicated years to the Mental Health board, the SLV HMO board, and as Vice Chairman of the Conejos County Hospital Board, worked tirelessly on Compliance, Infection Control, and Ethics committees while striving to save the small community hospital from closure. Even in retirement, her commitment to public health and service never wavered; she continued to organize the Conejos County blood drives, generously volunteered her time with Hospice and as a lifelong pianist, played weekly for the residents in the La Jara nursing facility.

Simple Blessings, Open Doors, and Family: Much like her parents, who taught the importance of serving, Ann cared and shared graciously throughout her full life. Her door, table and arms were open to anyone in need. Outside of her profession, Ann found great joy in life's simple blessings—her children, grandchildren and extended family, all creatures great and small, good books, engaging conversation, tending her garden and nurturing her flowers. Everything she touched simply thrived. Ann was also a skilled baker and cook, carrying on the traditions of her mother.

Ann lived with a gentle, dependable spirit, a sharp mind and a nurturing heart. She exuded kindness and a genuine appreciation for the people around her. She was a profound role model and a generous soul who was loved by all. The San Luis Valley is richer for having had her many years of compassionate service. Those who knew her best, especially her close family, will deeply miss her wise counsel, honest assessments, and her unconditional acceptance and love. Although she will be greatly missed, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched.

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lester and Irene Headlee, and brothers, Bob and Don Headlee.

Ann is survived by her loving family: Daughters-Nancy Thorne (Robert), Leslie Davis (Doug), Roberta Newman, and Amy Slezak (Joseph). Grandchildren-Lizy Breed (Chris), Austin Thorne (Anny), Lindsay Grieco (Jim), Katelin Odom (Mitch), Creede Newman, Irene Strain (Aiden), Hunter (Emily), Harper & Hillary Slezak and Nici Sandoval (Ise) Great-Grandchildren-Berkley & Oakley Breed, Ray Thorne, Gabrielle & Grace Greico, Holden Odom and James & Luke Sandoval. She also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews and their extended families, Dorothy Hill (Whitney; Sharon Ann & Robert), Connie Popovich (Jim), Jock (Dean, Darcy, Shawn) and Tom Headlee (Sherry; Tater, Carol, Angela, Dustin, & Hendrick) and her steadfast cousin, Charles D. Vail, DVM.

A private memorial service will be held in the mountains near Creede, Colorado.