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Kristen Howard Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kristen Howard
Joyce Sheets
November 1, 2006
Although I didn't know Kris for a long time, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to know her for at least a few years. Kris always had a smile for you no matter how bad of a day she was having. She was so proud of her family and lit up when she spoke of her grandchildren. Kris will be missed by so many friends, co-workers and all whose lives she touched. Have faith in God and remember all of the good times.
Diane McGuire
November 1, 2006
To Roger, Laura and all of Kris' beloved family:
I met Kris in 1998 at Sawmill Athletic Club where she taught water aerobics. She was a joy to be around, cracking jokes (like the impatient cow knock knock joke) and getting to know us by asking about our lives. It was so obvious how proud she was of her family. Kris touched so many lives for the better and she will be sorely missed in this world.
Karen Heath
October 28, 2006
To the Family of Kris Howard
I had the pleasure of working with Kris at the Ohio Dept. of Education and having Kris in my life. I always found her upbeat, willing to lend a hand,or listen to a thought or wild idea. She was very special & dedicated and will be remembered by many for doing the right thing. I will always have so fond memories of her.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Karen Heath (Carroll, OH)
Craig & Linda Igel
October 28, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
kathryn Skeen
October 27, 2006
Very sad to hear of Kris's illness and although I've not seen Kris for many years,we graduated from South High in 72,and attened Barrett Jr.High, her memory is very fresh. A very lovely person and may her family heal knowing that she was a beautiful person inside and out.
Kathryn Skeen
Nancy Morton
October 27, 2006
Dear Kris's Family,
By now you know how much everyone at ODE loved and enjoyed Kris. I only worked with her for a short time before her illness but I always looked forward to seeing her everyday and it was always a pleasure to work with her. I found a sympathy card awhile back that I especially liked. It said: "Not gone, but gone ahead." I really like that sentiment and look forward to seeing Kris again.
With deep sympathy,
Nancy Morton
Jacqueline Miller-Linville
October 26, 2006
Roger and ALL family and also to Mary Poenisch: This is Jackie Miller-Linville (Dottie Miller's daugther) who lived on 4th Street, back as a young child - I know you will remember me and PeeWee, Roger. We have lived in Florida for 22 years now.
I just really want you to know how sad I am about the passing of your beloved, Chris. I will turn my prayers to heaven for her everlasting life with Our Savior. She was a genuine nice person.
I was 4 years old when I met Chris on 4th Street, and we went to St. Paul's school at age 5. I then moved to Siebert Street when my father died, (1958). My memories are fond and she was my really my first child friend and kindergarten pal. I so wish we could have seen you both over the trips I have taken back to Cols in 22 yrs. Ron (Pee Wee) wanted me to send special high school memories as well. God Bless You. The Lord will hear your prayers. Please give my love to Mary her mother, for sure, if you would. She remembers me and my sisters, as well as my Mom and Dad, Dottie and Pete Miller from being their neighbors. Love, Jackie and Ron Linville. 10/26/06
Susan Klempa
October 26, 2006
I am a CBI coordinator in eastern Ohio and met Kris a few years ago at our ODE - CBI Spring Conference.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
May God send His peace to comfort you.
October 25, 2006
Roger and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Roger I know you had truely found the love of your life. You will always have Kris's love. The happiness she gave to you can never be taken away. Live in the joy of having had the privilage to sharing in her life.
Love to all
Jan Jordan
Sheila Thompson
October 25, 2006
When I came to the state department in 1988, Kris was one of the first staff members to make me feel like I was one of the gang. She had a maternal, unconditional love for all of us (whether we deserved it or not!) and a perky sense of humor that pervaded every meeting. She was passionate about her work--whether it was helping women and girls explore nontraditional, high-wage careers or helping dislocated workers find their way in new jobs. She was generous with her time and energy, often working way beyond normal work hours to finish a project or help out a friend. It was also obvious that she loved her children very, very much; she always had pictures of Billy and Laura on her desk, and would always keep us up to date on Laura's accomplishments.
Kris left this world way too soon. We will miss her terribly. My deep sympathy to her family and loved ones.
Cheryl Hamblin
October 25, 2006
I had the privilege of working with Kris and always knew she cared about people. She made scarves for some of the office staff, and I thought what a giving person even in the midst of her condition. This was an inspiration to me. We miss her here at ODE. My heart goes out to the family.
October 25, 2006
Dear Roger and Laura, Our sympathy is with both of you at this very sad time. What a loss for everyone that Kris has passed. She was truly a wonderful person. We have known Kris and her family for over forty years and will surely miss her. She is now with God and her beloved son Billy. Our prayers are with your family. Debbie McCollister(Haughn) Clara Wills (Haughn) and Virginia Haughn
Cindy Zengler
October 25, 2006
To the Family of Kris Howard
I did not know Kris well but in the short time I worked with her, I admired her and felt she really cared for the educational needs of the students in the State of Ohio. I know many people at the department, including myself, will treasure the time we spent working with Kris.
Heather & Jim Bowman
October 25, 2006
I will always cherish our fun times together as a family, whether it be on vacation, looking at Christmas lights, planning surprise parties or just going to Plank's for dinner. We always managed to have a funny story about all of our "outings". I have always admired Kris's strength, compassion and the ability to never give up when the going got tough. Kristen was a true insperation to all who knew her. I was not only fourtunate to have known Kris as a life long friend but also as my aunt. Jimmy and I will always be so grateful for the countless things she did for us. Kristen's passing is truly a loss to us all and we will both miss her terribly.
Rog & Laura...you are so special to us both, please know that our hearts ache for you both.
We love you...
Jimmy & Heather
Joyce Daniels Phillips
October 24, 2006
To the family of Kristen K. Howard (Poenisch)
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I remember Kris from South High School ('72). I can still remmeber her beautiful smile and cheerful attitude. It is comforting to know that she loved the Lord and is now at rest in His arms.
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Sally and John Federer
October 24, 2006
Dear Roger and Laura,
When my sister called to tell me that Kris had passed away, I couldn't believe it. She was the maid of honor at my wedding and my best friend in high school. We shared so many great times together. She always could make me laugh. She was a kind and gentle soul. I will always hold her memmory close in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sally (Larimer) Federer and John Federer
Wilmington, Delaware
Diana Jackson
October 24, 2006
Kris was my first ODE contract manager when I came to OSU six years ago. She believed in me and in Darcie, supported us, encouraged us.
I was lucky enough to travel with her several times. We were in Minnesota, which is colder in October than I expected, and I had forgotten gloves. I bought a pair and admired the scarf that matched, but at the time, didn't have money for extras. When we left the store, Kris handed me the scarf. She bought it for me. That's just who she was, kind, loving, giving.
Laura and Roger, especially, we've never met but I feel as if I know you, at least a little, from what she said about you. Her love for you and for the rest of her family was so obvious.
I'm really going to miss her.
Margaret Callagahan
October 24, 2006
I am very sad to hear about Kris.
I worked with her for many years at ODE. I retired and moved to Florida long before Kris became ill. I only remember her as beautiful,healthy and vital
My condolences to her family.
Barb Brisbane
October 24, 2006
To the Family of Kris Poenisch Howard
I was saddened and shocked to read about Kris' illness and passing.
Kris and I were in the same graduation class of 1972. She was a sweet and outgoing individual with a bright and welcoming smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Pat Huston
October 24, 2006
Following a meeting at the Ohio Board of Regents last week, Vicki Melvin gently told me that Kris wasn't well and that she was going "into Hospice." I told Vicki that this wasn't possible -- that Kris with all of her energy and faith would rally back again. I walked back to the office with Kris on my mind and told two others. One of them, currently in remission for cancer, cried. Then, the three of us focused on what Kris was -- her positiveness and always concern for somebody else. We remembered her pain when she worked with us and how she refused to discuss it, always asking about us. That's how Kris was. She loved her family -- her parents, her husband, her daughter and those grandbabies. Mostly, however, she loved the Lord. While we have shed tears in the Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education (Ohio Department of Education) yesterday and today, those of us who know God are very certain that Kris is still looking out for us, maybe now more than ever before. What a blessing it has been to know someone like Kris.
A year ago, in the midst of her pain, she knitted scarves for several of us and dropped them off just before Christmas. I will wear mine with a special meaning in this winter season.
Much love and God's blessings to all her family and friends,
Dawn Lamp
October 24, 2006
Kris has been missed here at CTAE. She was cheerful and easy to work with-always smiling and attractive. I wish her grandchildren could have known her longer. You have my condolences.
Debbie Cox
October 24, 2006
Dear Roger & Family:
I'm so sorry for your loss! Words cannot even come close in expressing my sympathy for you. I also worked with Kris @ ODE for 7 years (Career Tech). Though we didn't work in the same office, she always had a smile and a hello when she'd see me. She always took time to ask how things were going with me. Kris always was thinking of others.
Please know that you will be in my prayers in the coming days.
Marna Lombardi
October 24, 2006
I had the pleasure of working for Kris during two summers in the 1990’s. She was a great supervisor and always had many projects going on at once. She was able to articulate the “big picture” and provided strong direction in her leadership. She was committed to the concept of providing women more opportunities through training and led well by example. I looked up to Kris as a role model and am so sorry to hear of her passing. She made a difference in her work and I will always be grateful for her contributions in helping women help themselves through the NEW TEAM concept.
Please accept my sympathy to Laura, whom she shared many stories about to me, and also to Roger and the whole family. Kris was an exceptional caring person; she will be missed by many.
Marna Lombardi
Tom Bream
October 24, 2006
To Kris's family,
I worked with Kris at ODE, and she was a special person, to everyone, it didn't matter who you were or what your job was. She was a real person, you could tell it by looking at her face, that always had a smile or a positive look about it. When I heard that she had lost a child, I couldn't believe it, as she always seemed so positive, and I can't even bear the thought of loosing a child. As someone else wrote, she was given some bad cards to deal with, but she did deal with them. She was stronger than the pain inflicted on her. I know you are with your son and God now, Kris.
Brenda Harris
October 24, 2006
To the Family of Kris Poenisch Howard,
I am in disbelief and so sorry for your loss. Kris was a "Reserve" cheerleader (one year younger) at South High when I was a "Varsity" cheerleader. I will always remember her as the sweetest and kindest of young ladies. Not only was she absolutely beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. Kris always had a smile for anyone and everyone and her warmth radiated to those around her each and every day.
My prayers are with your family for comfort at this time. She will always be remembered fondly.
Brenda (Smith) Harris
Darcie Slanker Milazzo
October 24, 2006
Laura, Roger and Family,
I've never met anyone who cared more about, gave more to or believed more in youth and education. Kris was and always will be an inspiration to me.
Laura, when I worked and traveled with your mom, she used to say I reminded her of you. But, I knew just by the way she talked about you, I couldn't have been half the person you are. I'm sure you know how much she loved you and how proud she was of you, but you should also know, we all knew it too.
I'm so sorry for your loss and wish you every comfort during this very sad time.
My deepest sympathies,
Darcie Milazzo
Jodi Gardner
October 24, 2006
Kris was and will always remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I will remember Kris as genuine, loving, caring, and always having time for others.
Roger and Laura -- you are in my prayers.
Dick Marshall
October 24, 2006
May you rest in peace. Kris you were a friend of mine for many years.
You remained in my thoughts after your father's passing recently.
To my longtime friend Roger and your family my prayers go out to you all.
I know you are in a better place and have had a long relationship with the Lord.
May God Bless all of your family in this time of need.
Dick, Dickie, Richard Marshall
The South High School Class of 1970
The Southend of Columbus
Mandee Phillips
October 24, 2006
Kris was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was a great and true friend to me and I loved her like a sister. She was filled with compassion and she felt deeply. My life is rich and has been blessed just by having her in my life. I love you Kris. I will never, ever forget your beautiful face and smile.
Roger and Laura - I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is heavy and broken, but I know she is with God now, out of pain and watching over you and her family.
May God be with you now and always.
Tracy Johns
October 24, 2006
Laura, Roger & Family-
It truly saddens me to hear of Kris's passing. I worked with Kris at the Department of Education for many years and she was always such an inspiration. Her energy level and positite attitude brought so much life to a very dismal place. Her love and relationship for Laura was her world and I always loved to hear the Laura stories that she would bring in. Years later, when she met you Roger, her smile was even brighter and the fact that you brought her security, family and even made her a grandma. A very young one at that. I remember how frantic she was with Laura's wedding and I can't even image the look on her face when Laura had her grandbabies. That must have been a wonderful site.
After Kris got sick and I moved to Florida I kind of got lost but thought of Kris often. Even though I can't be there for you as the family, my heart is aching with you. Kris was dealt some bad cards in life, but she always managed to get through it with a smile and for that she touched so many lives.
God Bless you all!!
Tracy
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