Polly Holmes, former Montana legislator and Independent Record columnist, died Friday at the age of 82.

Mrs. Holmes' death comes less than two months after the passing of her husband of 51 years, Rev. Robert Holmes.

Her accomplishments included learning to fly at the age of 16, introducing Montana's first smoking ban legislation, and receiving the American Civil Liberties Union's Jeanette Rankin Civil Liberties Award.

But it was the difference she made in other people's lives that mattered most to the mother of three, according to the people who knew her best.

Retired Rev. George Harper and his wife, Dorothy, have known Mrs. Holmes for more than 50 years, when she came to live with the Harper family in Nashville when she was working there for the National Board of the Methodist Church.

At the time, Mrs. Holmes, who was born in Cincinnati, was writing educational film strips for the church, conveying messages relevant to the church and to society.

"We liked her. She liked us. We had an extra room, so it worked out," said Dorothy.

According to the Harpers, Mrs. Holmes was with them for the births of four of their children, and after her marriage to Bob, the link between the Holmes and Harper families became even stronger.

Ultimately, the couples raised their children together as Bob came to Helena to succeed George as minister at St. Paul's Methodist Church following Mrs. Holmes' term as a Billings-elected legislator.

Throughout her tenure in the Montana Legislature, she tackled issues ranging from prison reform to poverty.

Dorothy, on the other hand, said she will remember her most for her passion and friendship.

"She's been such a dear friend through the years," she said. "She's just part of the family."

George described Mrs. Holmes as a bright woman who was dedicated to the plight of the underdog.

"She was probably the most completely unselfish person we've ever known," he said, adding that quality could cause his longtime friend heartache on occasion. "She couldn't understand how someone could be thoughtless or selfish."

Well into her later years, Mrs. Holmes would write to imprisoned men and women, and even champion the establishment of a prerelease center in Helena to provide assistance for people coming back to the community from a prison environment.

"She raised her children the same way," George said, explaining that fair play and justice were prevailing themes in her life.

In Helena, in addition to her work with various charitable groups, Mrs. Holmes was known for her regular columns that appeared on the Independent Record's editorial page, along with those of several other Montana publications.

Survivors include her sons Steve Garnaas-Holmes and Tim Holmes, and daughter, Krys Holmes.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.