Obituary of Alma Jean Howard

Alma Jean Howard, known by “Jean”, 84, of Shelton WA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 11th in Shelton WA. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, December 17th, at Shelton Christian Church with Pastor Bruce Thacker of Shelton Christian Church & Pastor Sidney Thorne of Shelton First Church of God, officiating. Light refreshments will follow. Jean was born in Sunnyside, WA to Theodore and Ernastine (Mathews) Berry on March 4th, 1932. She graduated from Shelton High School in 1950. She married Doyle Howard on August 1st, 1952 in Shelton, WA. She loved to sew, crochet and knit, especially for her grandkids. She was known for making them “Jesus Loves Me” knitted sweaters. She has always been involved in church whether in Washington State or winters in Arizona. She loved singing with her sisters Rea and Naomi and various friends. She worked at Sprouse Reitz as a clerk and they owned Howard’s Hoe Service, Country Market Fruit Stand and Hillside Storage in Shelton. Jean is preceded in death by her parents Ted & Ernastine Berry, sister, Naomi (Berry) Stewart, brothers-in-law Bill Brown and Vern Stewart and grandsons, James Howard, Jeremy Howard and Paul Howard. Jean dearly loved her family and is survived by husband Dode Howard, sons Rocky Howard & wife Tammy, Randy Howard & wife Brenda, Don Howard & wife Patti, Ted Howard & wife Michelle, and Tom Howard & wife Careen, daughter Jeanne Blanton & husband John, a previous daughter-in-law Laurie Howard, sisters Rea Berry Brown and Alicia Ahl Heggerston. Jean was blessed with 39 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's, the family of Jean Howard would like to extend our sincere thank you to both Fir Lane Health & Rehab and Maple Glen Senior Living for the amazing love they have given while caring for her.