Autumn Brooke Holt

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Autumn Brooke Holt, a vibrant and beautiful 15-year-old who brought light and laughter to all who knew her. Autumn’s short life was well-lived, but as they say, you always seem to lose the beautiful ones.

Autumn was a delightful paradox—a free spirit with contagious laughter, a Barbie girl, and an adventurous soul. Her personality was as vibrant as her ever-changing hairstyles—and that girl somehow pulled them all off looking as beautiful as ever no matter what color or style she chose. Her fashion sense was uniquely hers always trendy and looking gorgeous. No matter where she was or who was around Autumn lived life unapologetically and with immense joy and kindness.

A devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, Autumn was deeply family-oriented. She grew up riding dirt bikes and go carts with her daddy who instilled in her a sense of adventure. Her bond with her sister Ulyssa transcended a familial connection. They were not just sisters but true friends, sharing secrets, and countless moments of laughter and joy. Their relationship was a testament to Autumn’s ability to connect deeply and love fiercely. No matter her age she was always and forever a mama’s girl.

Autumn was a social butterfly, making friends effortlessly and bringing people together with her honesty and directness. Her priorities were clear: cherishing her family and always being there for her friends. Autumn played the saxophone for MGHS marching band but her true love was color guard and she had many amazing memories doing what she loved. She enjoyed traveling and had dreams to move to a big city one day, she loved swimming, doing her nails and makeup, shopping. She was always listening to music and loved animals, especially her dogs and birds.

She embraced life with a heart full of love. Though her time with us was cut tragically short, her impact was profound, and her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and joy. Autumn, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in the laughter, love, and light you brought into our lives. 

Autumn was preceded in death by her grandfather, Luther Rhodes; grandmothers, Penny Bradshaw and Pam Holt; and great-grandparents, Julie Rhodes, Carolyn Young, Jimmy Bradshaw, Art Rich Sr., Ray Gerkey, and William “Tom” and Pauline Holt.

Autumn is survived by her parents, James Gerkey and Sheena Holt; her sister, Ulyssa Skyy Holt; grandparents, Roger Gerkey, Cindy Gerkey, and Mark and Patricia Holt; great-grandmothers, Dee Bradshaw and Lorraine Gerkey; auntie Kim and uncle Brian Schellhorn and cousin Kloie Schellhorn; aunt Thasha and uncle Steven Garren and cousins Tayton, Damien, Ansleigh, Harper, and Amelia Garren; aunt Sarah and uncle Forrest Nunnery and cousins Emily and Oliver Nunnery; and uncle Dustin and aunt Kelsey Blackmon and cousins, Landon, Raylynn, and Gracie Blackmon.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Autumn Holt Fund at Great Southern Bank of Mountain Grove.