Barbara Kay Howell

WINSTON SALEM - Mrs. Barbara Kay Shallenberger Howell passed from life in the body to life in the spirit, in the early morning hours of May 31st, 2024 at The Oaks in Winston-Salem North Carolina. She was born in Youngstown Ohio on a hot August 16th day in 1936. She was the only child of Kenneth and Carita Shallenberger.

Kenneth worked for the government so the family moved quite a bit during the pre- and post- WWII days. Young Barbara LOVED living in different towns and her love of traveling was born.

She grew to be a knowledgeable scholar of history and geography. After attending Ohio State University and earning her B.S. in Education (1958), she taught second grade over 30 years, primarily at her beloved Betty Jane Elementary School in Akron, Ohio.

Barbara married another teacher, Ronald Howell in the early 1960s who shared many enjoyments with her: playing Bridge, dancing, socializing with friends and traveling. They both were world travelers.

They shared their lives with best friends; Al and Pat Kyser of the Toledo Ohio area and Dave and Linda Barr of Mogadore Ohio. Children of these couples - Scott and Kim, and Kristin (Barr-Glick), featured throughout much of their lives.

After Barbara's divorce and retirement, she relocated several times to parts of Florida and North Carolina where close friends Fran (Scanlon-Sills), George (Mulder) and Stephen shared her love of History, Musicals and Travel. In addition, when living in North Carolina, she filled her life with the grown children of Rich and Dona Helms (Ron's brother-in-law and sister), nephews Mark, Craig, Joel and neice Karyn, and reconnected a 50 year friendship with pal Cat Potter.

Barbara is survived by two younger cousins, Karl Shallenberger and Kathleen Slevin. Kathleen's son Brian was an extra special person in her life, as he shared her boundless love of dogs, especially her last dog Bucky.

Neice Karyn Helms played a feature role in her medical care at the end of her life, staying with Barbara for her final 4 days, working with the wonderful staff at The Oaks, particularly, Nadine.

Barbara requested to be cremated and asked that a small gathering of friends/family celebrate her full and accomplished life, atop a mountain of their choice while listening to The Ohio State Fight Song. What a legacy. What a life!