Theresa "Terry" C Howard

Theresa "Terry" C. Howard (née Menasion), age 65, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, advocacy, and deep love for her community.

Terry was born on June 18, 1960, in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, to Chris Menasion (née Cherry) and James Joseph Menasion. She was the youngest of five children and always loved telling the story of being an "oops baby," arriving eight and a half years after her next-oldest sister, Ann, nine years her senior—the product, as Terry would say with a grin, of "a night spent in a borrowed Corvette convertible." Her humor and gift for storytelling were hallmarks of her personality throughout her life.

Approximately a decade ago, Terry moved to Kiowa, Colorado, after falling in love with the town during drives from Aurora to visit her sister in Simla. She often spoke of the moment she crested the hill from the west into Kiowa and took in the breathtaking view of the town below—a sight that assured her she had found home.

Terry was deeply committed to public service. She served on the Kiowa Town Board for four years before being elected Mayor in 2025. She approached leadership with authenticity, determination, and genuine care for the people she served.

Outside of public office, Terry spent the past decade as a Program Director for Total Control Motorcycle Training School. A lifelong and passionate motorcyclist, she was a tireless advocate for motorcycle safety and rider rights. Beginning in 2007, she played a key role in advocating for legislation requiring helmets for riders under the age of 18. Her efforts helped advance a bill through the state House, bringing Colorado closer to comprehensive helmet safety laws. Her advocacy reflected her unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and freedoms of motorcyclists.

Terry was married in the early 1990s to David Howard. Though the marriage lasted approximately seven years, they remained friendly in the years that followed. Terry had no children of her own but poured her love into her family, friends, community, and beloved animals.

She is survived by her siblings, Rosanna Layson (Richard Barclay) and Patricia DeClassis, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sue Brigham; and her brother, Louis Mosley.

Terry loved gardening, Native American culture, and, most of all, her animals, who were her constant companions and joy. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, big heart, fearless advocacy, and the profound impact she made on Kiowa and beyond.

A Celebration of Life for Theresa "Terry" C. Howard will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, Colorado. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Exhibit Building.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mayor Terry Howard's name may be made to ECCO - the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (501(c)(3), in Kiowa). All proceeds will be provided to her family for support. For questions regarding donations, please contact Erica Johnson, Director, at 303-243-1551.