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The Life of ELIZABETH LOUISE HOWARD

Elizabeth L. (Pence) Howard passed away on February 4, 2021 at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Elizabeth was born on December 13, 1925 in Maryville, Missouri to Elbert Andrew Pence and Ora Elizabeth Pence. She grew up in Mound City, Missouri with one sister and two brothers, who have all preceded her in death. She graduated from Mound City High School in 1943 and graduated from Iowa State University in 1946 with a major in bacteriology. While at ISU she met her future husband, Richard T. Howard, of Ankeny, Iowa, and they were married in 1947. She helped her husband in his large animal veterinary practice in Kanawha, Iowa. In 1966 they moved to Ankeny, Dick’s home town, where he owned and operated a small animal practice. Elizabeth was the receptionist, lab technician, and bookkeeper for him until he passed away in 1980, and for the new owner of the practice until Elizabeth retired in 1990.

Elizabeth is survived by four children, Charles Elbert Howard, Carol Elizabeth Brejcha (Pete), Richard Andrew Howard (Brenda), and Robert Anthony Howard (Julie), all of Ankeny, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Scott Ryan (Marie), Jamie Andrianotahina (Aina), Lori Sheeks, Joe Howard (Katie), Tom Howard (Kaitlin), Allison Hertz (John), and Hannah Howard; and nine great grandchildren.

Elizabeth was very active in the youth ministry at the Methodist church in Kanawha. She taught fifth grade Sunday School and sixth grade summer Bible School for many years. She also started and led the first youth choir. She was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Brownie, and Girl Scout leader while living in Kanawha. She was an accomplished pianist and loved all types of music, especially her favorite, Josh Groban. She was a loving and giving wife, mother, and grandmother, and very much enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren.

The last several years she enjoyed living at Mill Pond Memory Care Assisted Living in Ankeny, where she received wonderful care from all the kind, patient, and loving staff. She had an eternal optimistic outlook on life and believed we are each in charge of our own happiness. Always giggling and a smile on her face, she had such a happy and spirited personality. She loved all sports, attending her children’s and grandchildren’s football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, tennis, and track meets in person and then watching all ISU sports, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Chiefs on TV.

A family graveside service will be held in the spring at Highland Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.

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