Bethel M. Howe's Obituary
Bethel Marie Howe, daughter of Frank M. and Mary Viola Hooper Ware, was born June 6, 1918, near Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, January 14, 2006, in her home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and eight days. On March 10, 1950, she was united in marriage to Dorsey M. Howe and together they shared thirty-nine years before his passing on July 27, 1988. She also was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don Hesker; a daughter, Carol Jane Howe; a son, Leland Stanley Howe; three brothers, Raymond, John, and Oscar Ware; and five sisters, Mayme Ware, Alma Kathner, Chloe Turner, Lilly Winfrey, and Rissie Frye. Bethel is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Jo Middleton, of Springfield, Missouri, and Gerry Hoke, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Janie Howe, of Polo, Missouri, and Kenneth and Valerie Howe, of Lebanon, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in the Blackfoot community, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1939. After she and Dorsey were married, they made their home in Lebanon, and lovingly raised their children. She began working at the Holman Funeral Home in 1950, immediately after she and Dorsey were married. Dorsey had been employed by the funeral home since 1939, and assumed full ownership in 1955. Through the years the company expanded, encompassing Wright, Webster, and Camden Counties in Missouri. Bethel was a longtime active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lebanon. She served as Sunday school teacher, worked in Vacation Bible School, and was director of the G.A.’s for many years. She also directed several Christmas programs and attended Hilltoppers. While her children were in school she had been President of the Hillcrest Elementary School P.T.A. for two terms. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, and growing beautiful flowers. Her family was always her top priority and one of her greatest joys was preparing a large meal each week for her entire family. Bethel was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a thoughtful and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish our memories of her for the rest of our lives. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Chapel. Burial will be in the New Hope Cemetery, near Long Lane, Missouri. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established for St. John's Lebanon Heritage Foundation and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
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