2025 Senior of the Year Award - Barbara Holcomb!

During the Senior Expo on Thursday, the committee surprised Barb Holcomb as this year’s Senior of the Year. 

Barb is one of those people who never sits still when there’s a need in the community. She’s been involved in so many amazing efforts, and is often the one leading the charge!

She spent her career as a Lab Manager at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, and she’s carried that same dedication into everything she’s done since. Holcomb helps coordinate the annual Point In Time Count for the homeless, volunteers at The REES Theatre, works with La Voz Unida, and serves as President of the Board for Link to Hope.

Holcomb saw a need and started a furniture pantry for local residents who need help furnishing their homes – just one example of her hands-on compassion.

Barb’s faith is a huge part of who she is. Her pastor, Pastor Kayla Grehl describes her as a beloved leader:

Barb is the incoming Servant Council Chair for the year 2026. She is a Lay Leader, member of the Choir, and the handbell choir.  She helps with the children’s and youth ministry.  She conducted a week of senior high church camp this past summer and has taken under her wing several youths as her “spiritual” grandchildren. She is a volunteer mentor at Webster Elementary School, providing a caring presence to an elementary child throughout the school year.   Barb serves on many committees at the local and district levels.  She provides pulpit supply for pastors in the district.  She is a role model and worthy of this award.

Barb Holcomb was instrumental in helping the Marshall County Council on Aging launch their Volunteer Opportunity Booth at the annual Senior Expo – because she truly believes in the power of giving back, and especially how important it can be in maintaining a healthy, happy life as we age.

Janis Holiday, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, said, “There are so many things she’s done quietly, simply to help others – and today we get to shine a little light on all of it.”

She closed out her comments saying, “Barb, thank you for your heart, your faith, and your tireless service. Congratulations!”