Raymond Paul Holdsworth

Raymond Paul Holdsworth, 79, of Pella, Iowa, formerly of Oskaloosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Raymond (Ray) was born on July 22, 1946, and was the son of Jess and Barbara Jean (Terpstra) Holdsworth. He grew up in New Sharon, Iowa and attended North Mahaska Schools where he met the love of his life, Charlotte Poe. They were united in marriage on December 24, 1966.

In June 1965 Ray joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Navy mechanic on the USS Oriskany. During his years of service, Ray traveled the world and served in Vietnam. He later joined the Naval Reserves and was stationed in California.

Upon returning to Iowa, Ray and Charlotte made their home in Oskaloosa. Ray wore many hats throughout his lifetime. He worked on the road crew for Dickinson Company. He proudly owned and operated the Mobil Station and Apco Station in Oskaloosa. In his later years he worked as a maintenance man and worked security for William Penn University. He loved seeing the students and helping them navigate life on campus. Ray retired from William Penn.

Although Ray was a friend to everyone, he never met a dog he didn't like. Ray volunteered with the 4-H and taught dog obedience and agility for more than 30 years. When Ray would run into a former 4-H member that he worked with he could not always recall the name of the person, but he could immediately tell you the name and breed of the dog they trained. One of Ray's proudest achievements was being inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Charlotte Holdsworth. Two sons: Raymond (Flora) Holdsworth of Albia and Tom (Tara) Holdsworth of Oskaloosa. Seven Grandchildren: Levi (Haley) Holdsworth, Cody (Cassandra) Holdsworth, Cheyanne (Blake) McWilliams, Hannah (Zach) Van Haaften, Jonah (Celsi) Coakley, Emma Holdsworth, and Parker Holdsworth. 16 Great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. A sister: Deb Van Wyk, Sister-in law: Edna Holdsworth, brother-in-law: Ed Poe, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Dean Holdsworth, sister-in-law: Wanda Steel, brother-in-law: Mert Van Wyk, and nephews: Baby Jess Van Wyk and Dylan Poe

Ray will be remembered for his deep love and pride for his family. He always had candy to share with the kids and never let an anniversary go by without telling Charlotte, "Love you a whole bunch."

As was his wishes, Ray's body was donated to the University of Iowa medical program. One last shining example of how Ray lived his life for others.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mahaska County 4-H/Dog Obedience and Agility program.