"Upon moving to Fairmount in 1965, Mike became my first and best friend. I can't begin to estimate how many times Martha welcomed me into her home - to play, to eat, to spend the night - always treating me like a family member. We have really enjoyed visiting her each year on our annual pilgrimages to Fairmount and we will miss her greatly. Mike, we hope to see you next time we are able to visit. Steve Wyatt"
In loving memory of
Martha Lou Howell
July 27, 1932 - July 23, 2010
Martha L. (Mitchener) Howell, age 77, life long Fairmount resident, died Friday, July 23, 2010, at Wesleyan Health Care Center in Marion, IN. Martha was a Homemaker. She was an active member of the Back Creek Friends Church where she was the recording clerk, she also was a corresponding secratary writing letters, sending cards and writing the church notes and weekly activites and placing them in the Fairmount News-Sun. She used to clean the church making sure that every corner was clean. She was a past member of the Bonnett Club of Fairmount. She was a former den mother and used to enjoy bowling. She enjoyed crocheting and loved watching birds, enjoyed the flowers in her yard. She enjoyed going fishing and most of all she loved her family. She enjoyed singing and was an avid country music fan. She and her sister-in-law Rosemary Mitchener loved to go to Nashville,TN and collect memoriabila from the country stars and those soon to be stars. She knew many of them from her time travels to Nashville.
She was the daughter of the late Lotus Mitchener and the late Eula Wanetta (Lewis) Mitchener. She was born on July 27, 1932 in Fairmount Township, Indiana. She graduated from Fairmount High School in 1950.
She is survived by her husband: Jack N. Howell. They were married on June 3, 1950 in Flora, Indiana
One Daughter:Linda (Carl) Haynes , Fairmount, INOne Son:Michael (Diane) Howell, Vincennes, INOne Brother: James Mitchener, Fairmount, IN
7 Grand Children: Christopher and Matthew Howell both of Panama City, FL. Lindsey Howell Vincennes, IN Tifani Olson and Megan Grundon both of Terra Haute, IN Susan and Kendra Lou Bricker, both of Fairmount.
3 Great Grand Children: Logan and Madelyne Olson, and Lilyana Grundon.
Martha was preceded in death by 3 brothers; Earl, John and Mearl Mitchener.
Funeral service will be 1:30 PM Wednesday July 28, 2010 at the Back Creek Friends Church, 7560 S. 150 E. Fairmount, with Revs. Linda Cabe and Lois Watkins officiating. Interment will be in Park Cemetery Fairmount. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Tuesday July 27, 2010 at Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main St. Fairmount, IN
Memorial contributions may be made to the Back Creek Friends Church in care of the funeral home.
On line condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Linda, You are in my thoughts and prayers as I know how hard it is when a loved one passes. My prayer is that you will sense God's presence comforting you and bringing some of the great memories to your mind. We know that when someone is in our memories they are not really gone. May God Bless you and your family."
"Dearest Family of Sweet, Generous, Gracious Martha, I think I express the sentiments of James Dean fans worldwide in saying that Martha will be greatly missed. She was such a loveable, gentle woman -- so giving of her time in regaling us with stories of her old friend, James Dean. It was pure joy being around Martha. I don't think I'll ever forget her laugh or that beautiful smile of hers. The first time I met Martha I felt like I'd known her all my life. She was the true epitome of the word "lady." Hearing of Martha's passing made me so sad as I will miss that bright smile and lovely voice. My sympathies go out to her family; she is irreplaceable. Please know that the prayers of all her "Dean fan friends" are with you."
"Dear Linda, Mike, and Jack, I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss! Martha was such a loving, kind, mother figure to me! She was young at heart and had a terrific sense of humor and I will treasure all the great memories I have spending time with her while visiting your home.She always made me feel welcome, at home , like I was an adopted child,and like she enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed being with her and Linda! She had the voice of an angel and I love to sing with her and Linda. Our voices blended together so well, it was like we were all meant to lift our voices in harmony and sing God's praise as one voice! I'm certain she now has wings and is singing in God's Heavenly Choir.Martha was a beautiful lady. inside and out. I feel privilleged to have known her! I'm so sorry that I lost contact with you,LInda and I wasn"t there to comfort you at your time of loss! I loved your Mother and I love you! May God wrap you and your entire family in the warmth of His glowing love ! Hugs from the heart, Sherry"
"Mike and Diane: We are sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Dave called us today. You are never ready to give them up even though you know it is coming. We have both lost our parents. May GOD bless and keep you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. C.B. and Marjorie"
"Dear Linda, Judy and Bonnie are both very sad to hear of your loss! We all wish we could be with you! Judy lives 3 hours away. Bonnie lives in Alabama, and I live in Gas City. I am so sorry I can''t come to any of Martha''s services! I would be there if I could! I am Disabled now and in ill health. I am on Facebook(so are JUDY and BONNIE). MY home phone number is 677-1757 if you would like to contact me. You and you family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Love you!"
"Dear Family and Friends of Martha, you have our deepest sympathy on her passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Martha and her husband many years back when they came down to Vincennes University to attend a faculty recital at which their son Mike was performing. She loved music and the good things in life. I know she was very proud of Mike and his musical accomplishments. I have always enjoyed hearing of how she and her husband were big Johnny Cash fans, and instilled such a love of music in Mike. God bless and keep you all, Dave & family."
"Linda and Mike, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have many great memories of your family and home. Your mom was a "cool" parent and I hold her in great regards. My sincerest condolences to your respective families and your dad. I was blessed to have known her. Kept in your hearts, she will never be far away. Debbie logan"
"I am so sorry to hear of aunt Martha's passing. She was very special aunt, and she will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of my family during this time of grief. My love and prayers to all of you. "