Holly Frizzell

Miriam "Holly" Frizzell passed away tragically during the Texas Hill Country floods on July 4, 2025. Born on April 28, 1953, in Gainesville, Texas, Holly was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her passing leaves an unfillable space in the hearts of all who knew her.

She grew up in Abilene, Texas, the only daughter of Carolyn Robertson Lutz Wood and Robert Holly Lutz, and sister to three brothers: William, Randy, and Robert. When Holly was just 11 years old, her father died unexpectedly. With courage and maturity beyond her years, she stepped up to help her mother care for the family. She began working at 13, and her strength, compassion, and work ethic carried through every chapter of her life.

Holly graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene in 1971, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen and quickly became known for her charm, kindness, and impeccable sense of style. In high school, she met her soulmate and future husband, Lane Patrick Frizzell. Their relationship became one of the most recognized and loved in the Abilene community. A memorable and cherished part of their connection was their shared love of music-Lane's well-known band and their performances together made Holly and Lane a beloved duo, singing at countless events around town. They married on June 14, 1975, and shared nearly 40 years of life together before Lane's passing in 2015.

Holly brought her love of beauty and fashion to life by opening "Holly's" Dress Shop in the 1980s in Abilene, where she introduced designer labels like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and many other iconic brands to West Texas. Her boutique quickly became more than just a place to shop-it was a social stop, a gathering space filled with laughter, elegance, and the joy Holly radiated. She dressed not only her customers but also her family in timeless fashion, always with care and creativity. Her refined taste and natural eye for style inspired everyone around her.

When her children were young, Holly made the decision to close the boutique and dedicate herself fully to motherhood. Her children, Matthew Patrick Frizzell (b. 1981) and Jennifer Lane Frizzell (b. 1985), were her world. She supported every dream and adventure they pursued. She shared an especially close bond with Jenny through years of horseback riding competitions across Texas. The time spent together at shows and in the barn created unforgettable memories and a bond that was irreplaceable.

She also supported both Jenny and Matt as they played competitive tennis across the state for over a decade. She never missed a match, tournament, or opportunity to cheer them on. Holly herself had a deep and joyful love for the sport. She watched every Grand Slam tournament and had fond memories of the Abilene Pro-Am in the 1990s, where world-class players like Michael Chang, Jim Courier, and Andre Agassi competed.

To know Holly was to love her. Her personality was larger than life-magnetic, warm, and unforgettable. Her laugh was her signature-distinctive, booming, and full of joy. It was a feeling, a comfort, and a celebration of life.

In midlife, Holly faced one of her greatest challenges. Her husband Lane was diagnosed with dementia, and she became his devoted full-time caregiver. The journey was painful and exhausting, but Holly's love never wavered. She stood by him with dignity, compassion, and courage, caring for him until his passing in 2015. Afterward, she became an advocate for others navigating dementia and Alzheimer's, supporting the Alzheimer's Association in Abilene and becoming a resource to friends and families going through similar struggles.

In her later years, her grandchildren became the center of her universe. From the moment Quentin was born in 2014, Holly embraced her role as "Lolly" with joy and devotion. She was the kind of grandmother who got on the floor to play, who brought wonder and imagination into everyday moments. Her love for Eloise, Georgia, Quentin, and Penelope was infinite-and they returned it in full.

Over the past several years, Holly fell in love with the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, at her home at Casa Bonita. It was where she found peace, joy, and reflection. It was where she laughed with her family and friends, made memories with her grandchildren, and sat quietly by the river. We will all miss her more than words can express and cherish the gift of having been loved by her.

Holly is survived by: - Her children: Matthew Patrick Frizzell and wife Clare Winfrey Frizzell of Austin, TX; Jennifer Lane Frizzell Garcia and husband Raul Eduardo Garcia of Quito, Ecuador - Her grandchildren: Eloise Lane Frizzell, Georgia Clare Frizzell, Quentin Raul Garcia, and Penelope Lane Garcia - Her brother: Robin Lutz and wife Trish of Shreveport, LA, and their children Amber and David - Her extended family: Bill and Joni Wood and their children Kelsey, Britni, and Nicholas; Allan and Linda Frizzell and their children Jill and Tad; Randy Lutz's wife, Billie, and their children Jordan Lutz, Katherine Shlewinski, and Timothy Lutz; Jim and Jane Watson of St. Simons Island, GA and their children Kate Danowski, Justin Watson, and Kirk Watson; and Amparo Allelo.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lane Frizzell, her parents Robert Lutz and Carolyn Wood, her brothers Randy and William Lutz, her father-in-law Jack Frizzell, and her mother-in-law Patricia Frizzell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Holly's name to The Alzheimer's Association of Abilene, or the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund (https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201).

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11 at 1:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest at 602 Meander Street in Abilene, Texas. There will be a reception following at the Abilene Country Club at 4039 South Treadaway Blvd. from 2:00-5:00 PM.