Laquita Joy Rollins was born February 26, 1939 in Kermit, Texas and passed away August 3, 2023 in  Invermere, BC. Laquita leaves behind a daughter, Elaine Holding of Muncie, Indiana, a sister and brother-in-law Nola and Dennis Alt of Spillimacheen, BC, grandchildren Julian, Mary and Nathan Adkins of Muncie and Christy Holding of Miami, Florida, and five great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband George Rollins and her son Christopher Holding, her parents Ruby and Oliver Kimmel and many beloved aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Laquita moved from Texas to Pentiction, BC in 1980 to start her life with George. After his retirement, they bought the former Spillimacheen Forestry Station in 1985 where they established a gift shop, Turtle Island Gifts. Laquita made use of her lifelong artistic talent by producing artwork on everything from  canvas to rocks, to small wooden articles, mostly depicting animals, her beloved mountain landscapes and giving homage to her Cherokee heritage. She was well known for her customized walking sticks on which she painted individualized spirit animals on locally harvested wooden canes, some of which travelled to Germany and Australia. 

She treasured her flower gardens and had a deep respect for the land and animals surrounding her. Her spirituality led her to study with numerous native leaders and she  was a pipe carrier and practiced a religion that encompasses the land, the animals and mankind. 

There will be a memorial and celebration of her life on October 22 at the Brisco Hall beginning at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to join us in bidding her goodbye from this plane.