Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1934
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Joann Howe Obituary
SEARS -- Joann Howe, 85, of Sears, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020, at home with her family at her side.
She was born in Kalamazoo, on June 13, 1934, the daughter of Corwin and Marion (Kerstin) Newton. Joann graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952.
On Feb. 13, 1954, she married Robert Howe, in Kalamazoo, where they raised their family. Bob and Joann spent many mornings at Theo & Stacy's Restaurant on Portage Road. Together, they looked forward to Bingo time. Joann also enjoyed knitting, sewing and reading and loved to travel. She worked as a nurse's aide at Mecosta County Medical Center for several years before retirement.
She was spunky, feisty, witty, strong, loyal and loving. These characteristics will not be forgotten by her four children, Daniel (Evelyn) Howe, of Evart, Julie (Bill) McKinney, of Clermont, Florida, Robert (Kara) Howe II, of Big Rapids and Patti (Jeff) McNeilly, of Sears; nine grandchildren, Vicki (Craig) Spille, David Richter, Nicole (Ryan) Davis, Tiffany Howe, Aimee (Shawn) Cassidy, Taylor (Donovan) Cramer, Dan (Krista) McNeilly, Tom (Kaala) McNeilly and BobbiJo (Robert) McNeilly, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, in 2008; great-granddaughter, baby Shae; and four siblings.
A private funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton. Interment will follow at East Fork Cemetery in Barryton.
For those that wish to honor her memory by a donation to a charity, the family was grateful to Hospice of Michigan for the care they provided.
Send a message, sign the guestbook or view the funeral service online -- when it becomes available -- on Joann's page at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joann Howe
Make a Donation
in Joann Howe's name
Memorial Events
for Joann Howe
Funeral services provided by:
Daggett Funeral Home, Inc. - Barryton19238 South 30th Avenue, Barryton, MI 49305
How to support Joann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joann Howe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
