Holly Kelley Rison

Holly Kelley Rison, 65, of Ashland, VA, retired Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid at RMC, passed away on April 19, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Townes Rison IV, who was her devoted caregiver during the illness and best friend of more than 44 years, as well as her three children (spouses) and three grandchildren: Mallory Sutherland (Sean) and their children Hank and Gabe; Erik Rison (Elizabeth) and their child George; and Billy Rison (Sarah Krumholz). She is also survived by two sisters, Evans Dowdy and Robin Kelley.

Holly was like the North Star to her children and known as “our Mimi” to her grandsons. Most of all, Holly was a positive life force to her wide circle of family, church, college (MWC girls and RMC colleagues), Ashland/Hanover community and needle arts/cross stitch friends. She enjoyed walking, traveling across the United States with her husband, gathering with the “MWC girls” for annual reunions at Irvington, practicing her passion as a master cross stitcher, following her favorite sports teams (NATS, Commanders, Yellow Jackets, and Wahoos) and making friends in bunches at home, in church, at work or in the needle arts community.

A short service followed by a celebration of her amazing life will be held for family and friends at St. James the Less Episcopal church, 125 Beverly Road, Ashland, VA 23005, on May 11th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to a cancer research organization (such as the “V Foundation”) or to the St. James the Less Chenery Fund.