Barbara Howells

Barbara Howells, 98, died on November 4, 2014 at Hospice of Arizona, Peoria, Arizona. She was born on February 21, 1916 in Ixonia, Wisconsin, the daughter of Earl and Blanche Botsford Roberts. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she moved to Munising, Michigan, where she met her husband Thomas Alfred (Al) Howells. They were married on August 20, 1940 in Houghton, Michigan. They spent most of their married life in Appleton, Wisconsin, where they were active in many organizations, including All Saints Episcopal Church. They moved to Sun City, Arizona in 1978, where her husband died in 1996. Barbara was active in many organizations in and near Sun City, including All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, Chi Omega Sorority, AAUW, DAR, Republican Forum, Welsh Club, University of Michigan Club, Upper Peninsula Club, Square Dance Club, and Sun City Questers. She was an avid bridge player, and owl and butter chip collector. She is survived by her daughter Susan Clark, Defiance, Ohio; her son and daughter-in-law Thomas Jr. and Muriel Howells, Middleton, Wisconsin; grandchildren Michael (and Joan) Clark of Las Vegas, Nevada; Scott (and Eileen) Clark of Plainfield, Illinois; Bradley (and Terri O’Brien) Howells of Oakland, California; Joy (and Matt) Sawatzki of Verona, Wisconsin; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Ellis Roberts, Los Osos, California and a son-in-law John Clark, Defiance, Ohio. Memorial services will be at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, 9502 W. Hutton Drive, Sun City 85351 at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 22. There is no visitation. Arrangements are being handled by Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ. 85351. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the church, to Hospice of Arizona, or to the donor’s choice.