MARY ANN HOWARD

November 12, 2018

LAMAR- Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday at Daniel Funeral Home for Mary Ann (Archer) Howard, 87, Lamar, who died peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Burial was at Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lamar United Methodist Church or the Barton County Libraries (Children’s Collection).

The obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Howard; three children, Nancy Adams and husband John, David Howard and wife Joani and Susan Roland and husband Curt, all of Lamar; eight grandchildren, Allison Van Da Griff and husband Travis, Webb City, Emily Adams, Joplin, Daniel Howard, Queen Creek, Ariz., Katlyne Hoelscher and husband Brennan, Troy, Taylor Howard, Waialua, Hawaii, Kailey Jungmann and husband Brenyn, Webb City, Kenna Russell and husband Jacob, Lenexa, Kan. and Kip Roland, Lamar and five great-grandchildren, Ayla Van Da Griff, Chloe Howard, Rory Howard, Grady Hoelscher and Hayes Hoelscher.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, George P. Archer and John E. Archer.

Mrs. Howard was born Nov. 13, 1930, to George and Laura Archer in Adrian, where she grew up and attended school. After graduating high school, she attended Central Methodist College in Fayette and University of Missouri in Columbia to study vocal music.

During her collegiate years, she met her future husband, Kenneth Howard, on a blind date. They were married September 2, 1951 and shared 67 precious years together. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A long-time member of the Lamar United Methodist Church, she loved singing in the choir and directing the children’s choir.

She was known to be a talented pianist, organist and vocalist, who taught students in her home for many years, including several of her grandchildren.

Mrs. Howard loved nature and being outside in her flower bed. Every spring she looked forward to when she could begin to plant her garden.

She grew up on a farm with many animals and always allowed her children to have an assortment of pets, including dogs, cats, horses and ducks. For a time she had a pet quail and a pet raccoon.

Her husband and family were blessed daily by her lifelong pursuit to love and serve them. Holidays at the Howard’s were an extravaganza of beautifully decorated trees and tables, with plenty of wonderful food. Birthdays were always celebrated by a precisely planned homemade meal. Making cheesecakes was her specialty.

Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends.