Obituary of Lois L. Howard

Our beloved mother, Lois Lucille Howard, died peacefully on January 21, 2021 at the age of 89. Lois went to be united with the love of her life, her soul mate, Herm, who preceded her on August 21, 2008. She was born January 16, 1932 in Jamestown, NY, a daughter of the late Louis Latona and Genevieve VanDusen Latona. Growing up during the depression and war years, faith and family were her anchor, along with hard work, determination, and compassion. Lois was a 1950 graduate of Falconer High School, where she was a National Honor Society student, as well as a majorette in the marching band. She was ambitious and full of fun in her days at Falconer High. She received many honors at graduation. Her first job was working at a soda shop in Falconer and later worked as a secretary for an insurance company in California and had also worked at Flickingers. She met her high school sweetheart, Herm, at the Celoron Roller Rink in 1948. They were married on April 14, 1951 in a chapel in Westover Air Base, Massachusetts. After six months, she joined Herm at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. When the Korean War ended she and Herm returned to Jamestown. In 1956 they moved to South San Gabriel, California and spent four years there. In 1960 they returned to Jamestown and made their home on the Fluvanna-Townline Road for 32 years. In later years they moved off the hill to Harvard Street in Jamestown for 27 years. Lois and Herm were married for 57 years, they took many trips together. They enjoyed square dancing, ballroom dancing, cross country skiing, and plays. They cherished time with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends. They were truly made for each other. Lois also enjoyed lunches and plays with family and friends at Little Theater, Reg Lenna Center, Chautauqua, Political Study Group, and area Red Hatters. A lifelong area resident, Lois worked at MRC as a purchasing agent and SKF for 31 years, 1962-1993. In earlier years, Lois was a member of the First Baptist Church of Falconer and Alhanbra Baptist Church in Rosemead, California. Lois was a Christian and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age and served him all of her life. Lois attended and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for 40 plus years. She served in Awana, Mops, Monday Bible Study, Wise Outstanding Widows (WOW), and book lunch. She also served the funeral luncheons at Hillcrest in later years. She carried God in her heart all her life accordingly. Lois was a wonderful hostess and loved to entertain guests and family with her husband, Herm, in their home. Many a joyful memories were made at family picnics and dinners. Lois was an excellent cook and made delicious desserts throughout the years. She loved and sacrificed for family and friends and will be greatly missed by us all. Lois loved to read and had several books next to her living room chair and her nightstand next to her Bible and daily devotional. Lois is survived by her two children, a daughter Rhonda (Charles) Edwards of Sugar Grove, PA and a son David (Ellen) Howard of Owego, NY; two grandchildren Zachary (Tiff) Howard of Cortland, NY, Cassandra (Iain) Gillan of Olathe, KS; three great grandchildren: Isabella Howard and Charlie Howard, both of Cortland, NY and Maisie Gillan of Olathe, KS; four sisters: Donna M. Horvath and Barbara M. Swanson, both of Mentor, OH, Anita P. Zelek of Nashville, TN, Retta Latona of Canton, OH; one brother Louis J. Latona of Avon, OH. In addition to her parents, Lois has joined her dear sister Mary Ann Higgs in heaven. The family wishes to extend thanks to Dr. David Krempa and nurses; Rebecca Senear, caregiver; Dr. Vejendla; all the staff of Memory Gardens, Dr. Mitchell, and all the staff at Heritage Park Nursing Home. A special thanks goes out to Chautauqua Hospice staff of Jamestown. Burial will be in Fluvanna Cemetery. Due to Covid pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date for the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be donated to Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter, 6215 Sheridan Drive, Suite 100, Amherst, NY 14221-4837, Hillcrest Baptist Church, 40 Hallock St., Jamestown, NY 14701, Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. "Love you Mom, you were the wind beneath our wings."