Jennifer J. Colby-Howard, 39

Jennifer J. Colby-Howard, 39, of Lafayette, passed away at 5:00 am Friday, October 23, 2015 at her residence after a seventeen year long battle against cancer. Her greatest joys were the Lord Jesus; Shane, the love of her life; her girls Maddie and Reese; and her mom, dad and sisters. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. Jennifer displayed a gracious and beautiful spirit even in the hardest moments of her illness and she touched many lives in the hospital and beyond.

Jennifer was born July 8, 1976, in Lafayette, to Thomas and Linda Smith Colby of Lafayette.

She graduated from Harrison High School and Purdue University.

On November 17, 2001 she married Shane Howard in Lafayette and he survives.

Jennifer was a member of Covenant Church and enjoyed spending time cooking, playing games, watching movies and taking care of her family.

Surviving along with her husband Shane and her parents, are two daughters, Madison and Reese Howard, both still at home, and three sisters, Kathy Colby and Debbie MacLeod (Donald), both of West Lafayette, and Cindy Lohman (Ron) of Gaston, OR.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909. A public graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47906. Rev. David Henderson will be officiating.

Those wishing may contribute in Jennifer's name to Kids Alive, C/O Covenant Church, 211 Knox Dr., West Lafayette, IN 47906.

You may sign the guest book or leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Colby-Howard

Sponsored by Shane, Madison, & Reese.

62 Entries

Charline Melvin Brinkley

October 17, 2024

Thinking of y'all today. Hugs go out to all of you!!!

Charline Melvin

October 20, 2023

Thinking of the Colby family today. Love you guys

Charline Melvin

October 18, 2022

I think of your family often and hope ya'll are doing well. My hope is that there are more smiles than tears. Time doesn't stop that's for sure but we can pause and acknowledge the beautiful girl Jennifer was and always will be.
Much love sent from the Melvin family...

Charline Brinkley

October 17, 2021

Thinking of the Colby family today. Hoping your tears are being replaced with some smiles. Hugs go out to your family.
Love, The Melvin family

Charline Melvin/Brinkley

October 17, 2020

Thinking of you guys today. Hoping you have a day of celebrating Jennifer's life.
Crys has been gone 19 years now. Doesn't seem possible. Please tell Kathy hi for me.
Love and peace to you all.

Janie Conn

October 21, 2019

I think often of Jen, her beautiful smile & love for you sparkled in her eyes. She will always be a light in my heart

Lori Rhode

October 17, 2019

Such a sweet young lady! Always a joy to be around. Great memories I hold dear to my heart.

November 5, 2015

Thinking of you

Dan & Mary Benedict

November 4, 2015

Thinking of of the Colby-Howard Family

October 28, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Colby-Howard family. Jennifer was such a joy to know. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of her final weeks. May you be comforted by warm memories of her during this sorrowful time. The Franciscan St. Elizabeth Palliative Care team.

October 27, 2015

Our hearts ache for you in this time of grief.
Bill & Jenny Collins

~ Flowers for Jennifer...

Brad Best

October 27, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the Colby family.

October 26, 2015

My heart is broken upon hearing of the loss of Jennifer.What a special Christ centered young lady! Whenever we would see each other she always had time to talk and had that warm wonderful smile.She and my son Tony were born the same day at Home Hospital.The two of them went to school together since kindergarten. Oh what memories!
We will be keeping you all in our hearts and prayers

Gloria and Tony Thompson

Jennifer Leahy

October 26, 2015

I had the pleasure of getting to know Jennifer the past few years at Hershey. She always had a smile on her face and in her heart.... A beautiful soul. Hugs and prayers out to Shane, Madison and Reese. Please know your Hershey Family is here for you. Hershey Elem. Office

Karen McDaniel

October 26, 2015

Colby Family. So sorry to hear about Jennifer I have good memories of her from the dental office she will be deeply missed My thoughts and prayers go out to you all

Steve and Krissie Hurt

October 26, 2015

So sorry loved talking to her she you all are in our thoughts and prayers

Marilyn Thrush

October 26, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to all of Jennifer's family! Joy (Thrush) Boberg of Lake In The Hills, Illinois remembers going to school and also riding the school bus with Jennifer. Jennifer was always a kind and fun person. Sad, so sad for your precious loss. I remember Jennifer so well! (Joy's mom- Marilyn Thrush)

Carmen Turner

October 26, 2015

Tom, Linda and family, the Turner and Kennedy families are holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you thoughts of love and peace. May God Bless all of you in the coming days and months.

Tracy Rausch

October 26, 2015

I don't have many early school memories without Jennifer being part of them. I am pretty sure we met in kindergarten from Brownies, softball, volleyball, basketball. Although, we lost touch through the years whenever we saw it each it was always a great to see an old friend.

My thoughts are with everyone today!

Jeff & Laurie Potrzebowski

October 26, 2015

Dear Colby Laurie and I were deeply saddened by the news of Jennifer's passing. Losing someone is never easy especially at such a young age. Our heartfelt sympathies to you and Jennifer's family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time. We are really sorry for your loss.

Thinking of you,

LeMoyne Senesac

October 26, 2015

Sympathy to the family at this time. From our family.

Marcy Ritchie

October 26, 2015

I am remembering all of you, Linda, Kathy, Debbie, Cindy and Jennifer, from my days at Hershey. You have my heartfelt sympathy.

Justin Reagin RN

October 26, 2015

My condolences to your family. I remember Jennifer from Harrison. She was sweetheart. Thinking of you all in these rough times.

Nancy (Foster ) Alley

October 25, 2015

My deepest sympathy to all the colby/Howard family. ..I've known Jennifer since she was a kid, used to go to church with her and her family and used to babysit her, she was always such a joy and grew into a beautiful young lady. .heaven gained a wonderful angel and I am blessed to have known her...may God comfort each of you.

Barb Clevenger

October 25, 2015

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace for your family as you mourn her loss on this Earth yet rejoice that she is at home with her Heavenly Father. She was truly a blessing to everyone she met. I am honored to have known her and know she will be missed.

Mary Ruse - Lawrence

October 25, 2015

God be with you ALL. We have lost a very special true lady..wife...mother..and child. Her spirit will remain with us always. She is free to fly with her Father in Heaven. Peace be hers eternally.

charline Smith-Brinkley

October 25, 2015

Kathy, and all the family, I hope your pain and grief will ease soon. After loosing my sister (Crystal) I feel your pain. All of my prayers go out to you and all of your family Colbs. Love Charline.

October 25, 2015

Shane, Madison and Reese,

My sincere sympathy to all of you. God has welcome another Angel into His kingdom named Jennifer. She was such a sweet person and I enjoyed being friends with her even for a short time. May her love for all of you and the fond memories you shared with her give you comfort now and always. Peace and love, Jude Ann Synesael

October 25, 2015

Tom, Linda, Kathy, Debbie and Cindy,
Heaven has gained another Angel. Jennifer was so sweet and lovable. My sincere sympathy to all of you. I am so happy that I was able to meet all of you through Jennifer. I always enjoyed your visits at Smitty's. Peace and love to all of you. Jude Ann Synesael

Valorie Dunn

October 25, 2015

Jennifer. The minute I met you I knew you were special. I will forever miss your upbeat spirit :)

Candie Andrews

October 25, 2015

Thoughts and prayers for you all with the loss of Jennifer. I had the pleasure of teaching Jennifer in 4th grade at Hershey. My memories are of a polite, smiling, hard-working, personable, considerate young lady with many friends. She will remain alive in your hearts with the wonderful memories of a wonderful person.

Candie (Helmkamp) Andrews

Bob Freestone

October 25, 2015

So sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. I had only met her once at Meier's this summer, but was very impressed with her spirit in the face of some tough times. I know the pain you're both experiencing at this time, as I too, have lost both my wife and my youngest daughter to this terrible disease. Just hang on to all the good memories you shared with her and you will get through this.

Fred Van Hook

October 25, 2015

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Tom, your family are in our prayers.

Janie Conn

October 24, 2015

Tom Linda and family, I pray you feel the love and heartache in my heart for you and at the same time, joy in knowing Jen was such a strong believer. God worked through her in so very many ways, touching so many hearts as she did mine. God's blessings on you all as you go forward day by day sharing your love with those beautiful children, helping them to cope with the loss of such a special mom. My deepest sympathy.

Geanie Jenkins-Dunbar

October 24, 2015

Kathy,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family and the loss of Jennifer.

The Senesac family

October 24, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss of a beautiful person.

Elaine Schrontz/Siemers

October 24, 2015

Dear Tom, Linda and family. I was so saddened to hear about your daughter when I read the paper today. My deepest condolences. You were my next door neighbor in 1971 and you brought your three girls at that time over to help my son, Dirk celebrate his first Bday. Later that night I went to the hospital to give birth to my first of three daughters. I regret we've lost contact over the many years. May you find comfort during this tragic time.

Lori Rhode

October 24, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss! Tears fill my eyes while wonderful memories fill my heart! May God embrace all of you.

Jaci Mavity-Bartel

October 24, 2015

Kathy so sorry for your loss! My prayers to your family.

Rhonda Hale

October 24, 2015

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Jon and Cindy Yeoman

October 24, 2015

Tom and Linda, sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you, we won't be able to go to the funeral. We will be in Virginia till Tuesday

Cathy Zdarsky

October 24, 2015

Kathy, my heart is broken for you and your family. Jennifer was indeed a sweetheart and one of the bravest people I've known. She let nothing stop her from living life on her terms and was an inspiration to us all. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dahn Walker

October 24, 2015

I am very grateful to have known her. My prayers are with you all.

Christie Turbeville

October 24, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family my friend. Your spirit was beyond measure at any moment in your life. The many years of playing and coaching volleyball together will always hold a special place in my heart. Soar high as heaven gained a remarkable angel. Many hugs to your family, but especially your amazing husband and daughters. Peace and love be with you during this difficult time.

Tom & Jean Ann Simler

October 24, 2015

So sorry you had to lose Jennifer after all these years - at least she is free of the pain of this horrible disease and her family will be able to forgive this loss.

Kristen Beigh Kofoed

October 24, 2015

My prayers for your whole family. I played volleyball with Jennifer in high school. She was such a fun, positive influence on the court. So sorry for your loss.

Raymond Burns

October 24, 2015

Jennifer was my 3rd cousin we met her and her family at her grandparents,Dale and Inez Colby,and at family picnics So sorry to hear of here passing.she was an impressive, and courageous lady.

October 24, 2015

Kathy, my heart goes out to you. God be with you and your family.

Marietta Connell

Mary Behringer Stinson

October 24, 2015

Praying for all of you. It was so nice to see Jennifer at our class reunion last year. She was so happy and proud of her family. I have fond memories of our younger years at Grandpa and Grandma Behringer's house. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending all of my love,

Allison Henry Jewell

October 24, 2015

Had so many wonderful memories with Colby growing up! Loved that smile. Hugs and kisses to your family. Class '94!!

October 24, 2015

Jennifer has been such an inspiration and has touched so many lives. Her faith & strength will live on. Our sincere condolences to her loved ones. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you!
Donna, Angie, Wyatt & Malachi

Amy Hilt

October 24, 2015

Prayers and condolences from our family.

Sarah Martinez

October 24, 2015

I'm happy for my dear sweet friend to be pain free for the first time in many years, celebrating in heaven, truly at peace. I smile at the thought of your smile greeting me when I get there. I love you so much. What a gracious kind person you were. My buddy all through college, nearly every class together, "Buff & Fi". My heart aches and I'm sad but I look forward to seeing you again. I can't make the service since I'm in SC but I'm praying for your whole wonderful family and sending the warmest. southern hugs . Lots of love, Fi

Beth Clark Carlson

October 24, 2015

My heart aches at this sad news and wish I could've kept in touch better. Jennifer was a dear friend to me in High School and we had such fun playing sports together. I can't pin point which memory was the best because we had so many. The trip to Australia definitely brings back the most memories and I was so lucky to have such a wonderful friend! She was such a sweet heart to everyone and a joy to be around. I'm so glad that she is at rest with Jesus and I will see her again to be forever friends.

Teresa and Bruce (Howard) Collet

October 24, 2015

Shane, Madison, Reese, We were so sorry to hear about Jennifer. Our thoughts go out to you in your time of loss.

Mike Momberger

October 24, 2015

My heart and prayers are with all of the Colby and Howard families. I know the loss is immense but the love of family and friends will be there to support all. My love to you.

Stacey Ahlrich

October 23, 2015

Colby-what a spirited woman, a fighter. A gal with the biggest heart and a smile that would light up the room. What a pleasure to have had some great laughs and even greater times. Prayers for your daughters, Shane, and the rest of your fantastic family.

Portia Adams

October 23, 2015

Cindy and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Jennifer, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all of you. Xoxo
Portia Brown-Adams

Sadira Salvo Ebert

October 23, 2015

We pray for the repose of the soul of Jennifer. We pray for your children, husband, and family to give them strength during this time. Know that you are loved by so many and a great example of being a woman of faith.

I will always remember your joyful and welcoming smile. I am so glad we got to see you at our last HHS1994 reunion about this time last year.

Carole & Mick Dienhart Smith

October 23, 2015

We are sending our sympathy to you and the family on the passing of Jennifer. We will keep you in our prayers during this very difficult time.

Vicki & Joe Vogel

October 23, 2015

Kathy, Debbie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

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