"Josephine was a reminder to me that when we work hard and enjoy what gifts God gives us, we are truly happy. I will always remember talking to her about flowers! I'm sorry for your loss. Judy Maubach"
In loving memory of
Jospehine Betty Howell
June 23, 1925 - April 11, 2018
Josephine Betty Howell, 92, formerly of rural Blairsburg, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Windsor Manor in Indianola. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018 at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center with Pastor Paul Fischer officiating. Burial will be held at Blairsburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Josephine Borel, the daughter of Charles and Lena (Derkas) Borel, was born June 23, 1925 on a farm near Woolstock, IA.
Jo was united in marriage to Melvin Howell on February 4, 1945. They resided on a dairy farm southeast of Clarion. After Melvin's death, Jo stayed on the farm until 2016 when she moved to Indianola.
Jo loved living on the farm and caring for her family. She always had a large garden and flower plantings. She was also a passionate bird watcher and had numerous bird feeders and nest boxes around the farmstead.
Melvin and Jo spent many happy and relaxing hours fishing in their farm pond after the days farm work was completed.
Jo was a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational in Blairsburg.
Jo is survived by her sons, Larry Howell of Cedar Rapids and Daryl Howell (Gaye Wiekierak) of Indianola.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin; brothers, Edward (deceased in infancy), Martin, John and Don; sisters, Gladys Blakesley, Marie Hilpipre and Blanch Tuttle.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com