Ellen "Ellie May" J. Howell

Ellie May was very loving and caring and had a heart of gold. She was generous with both her time and her talents and her concern for others was evident in the way she lived her life. On December 30, 1967, she married the love of her life, Garland Howell. Being with her family was her greatest joy and she enjoyed making special memories with each and every one of them. Ellie May had worked at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital and the YMCA for a few years, but her primary occupation was being a wonderful homemaker.

She was an active member of Diamond Hill Cathedral. Shopping and taking pictures were two of her favorite activities. In her free time, she loved to read and watch soap operas. Ellie May was a lover of all animals. A stubborn and determined woman, she overcame many obstacles placed before her with dignity and grace.

Ellie May is survived by her husband of 49 1/2 years, Garland Howell; three sons, David Howell of Mansfield, Roger (Nancy) Howell of Lexington and Steve Howell (Mandy Lilly) of Mansfield; a step daughter, Michella Moran Garcia of Germany; four grandchildren, Chad (Kailie) Wyrick, Cayse (Jordan) Brown and Steven Howell II, all of Mansfield, and Dylan Lilly of Galion; a great-grandchild, Brayden Wyrick; a sister, Mary (Marvin) Holbrook of Mansfield; two brothers-in-law, Herman (Nancy) Howell and Rodney Howell; a sister-in-law, Caroline (Robert) Burton; her beloved dachshunds, Ellie May and Suzie Kay; an aunt, Sarah Evelyn Howell of Dayton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Inlow and Pauline (Sparks) Inlow; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Berry and Doris Singleton; and three brothers-in-law, Kenneth, Dale and Bobby Howell.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Mel Schroeder will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Diamond Hill Cathedral, OhioHealth Hospice or the Humane Society of Richland County.