Mary Castillo Howard

Mary Castillo Howard, went to be with "her Sweet Jesus" on Sunday, May 2, 2010, in Midland, Texas. She is now in Heaven with her beloved parents after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and funeral services will be at Stonegate Fellowship Church on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 1:00 PM with graveside services to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park with Rev. Patrick Peyton officiating. Mary was born on June 25, 1957, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Leo Castillo, Sr. and Jesusita Fuentes. As one of twelve children, she spent her early years in Earth, Texas, and then moved to Hereford, Texas, where she graduated from high school in 1976. After graduation, Mary worked for the Hereford Police Department as a dispatcher and met Scott Howard, the love of her life. They were married on May 2, 1981, and moved to Midland, Texas, that same year. Mary and Scott had two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Audra, who meant the world to her. She also had two wonderful stepsons, Matthew and Andy, whom she considered as her own. Mary had a long and fruitful 29-year career in the petroleum industry. During that time, Mary was a devoted and selfless employee, beginning with the Texas Rail Road Commission, which was a stepping stone for her petroleum career with Exxon, Titan Resources, and currently, Sierra Engineering. Mary's hard work did not stop at 5:00 PM, as her volunteer work was equally important in her life. She had a generous, giving nature that led her to an involvement in many of Taylor and Audra's extra-curricular activites. She served on several committees, championed projects, big and small, enjoyed fund raising and held the positions of President of the Lee High School Softball Booster Club, President of the Lee High School Volleyball Booster Club, President of the Lee High School Girls Basketball Booster Club, as well as positions in the Midland/Odessa Symphony Guild. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Midland United Girls Softball Organization. She spent many hours at the ball park, working wherever she was needed: tournaments, concession stand, or collecting gate fees. Mary also served as Ways and Means Director for many years with the Midland United Girls Softball Organization, helping to raise thousands of dollars, which was put directly back into the Freddie Ezell Softball Park, enabling the park to host National Tournaments, as well as benefiting hundreds of girls per year who played there. During her work at Exxon, Mary was the Director of Exxon's United Way Campaign and raised more money than any other individual had at that time. Mary was passionate about her children, and could be found in the middle of anything and everything they were involved in. She traveled nearly every weekend for ten years with her girl's Select Teams in soccer and softball. She also followed her beloved stepsons Matthew and Andy in every sport and activity they were a part of. Mary had a special talent for writing poetry at a moment's notice and could create something meaningful for family and friends whenever they asked her. To outsiders, Mary appeared to be the luckiest person in the world, as she was a winner at everything she engaged in. She knew, though, that she was blessed and was thankful for that every day. This was because she gave of herself through both time and money to anyone who needed it. Mary was highly spiritual, the true example of Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you." She never expected anything in return, yet her life was fruitful and plentiful. This enabled her to be a matriarch to her family and she was always there for each of her brothers and sisters. Mary was a "rock" to all who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Castillo, Sr. and Jesusita Castillo, and second parents, Frank and Aileen Howard. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, William Scott Howard and her daughters, Christina McRoberts and husband Mike of Boston, MA; Taylor Brooke and Audra Blair Howard, both of Midland, Texas; step-sons Matthew Neil Howard and wife Amber of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and William Andrew Howard and wife Kim of Early, Texas; and grandchildren Addisyn and Kenley Howard. Mary also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Leo Jr. and wife Diane and Raymond and wife Carla Castillo, all of Houston, Texas; Vickey and husband Rudy Camacho of Devine, Texas; Joe and wife Eva Castillo of Dallas, Texas; Wally and wife Mary Castillo and Noelia and husband Raymond Ulibarri of Hereford, Texas; Janie and husband Albert Arredondo of Hallsville, Texas; Roy Castillo, Bobby Castillo, Rudy and wife Terri Castillo, and Diane Castillo, all of Amarillo, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Mary devoted her life to giving back to her family and community and her fingerprints can be found on everything she has touched. Memorials may be made in Mary's name to the American Heart Association, 3205 W. Cuthbert, Suite A5, Midland, Texas 79701; to the American Cancer Society, 2304 W. Wadley, Midland, Texas 79705; to Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702; or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be left at: www.npwelch.com