Neta C. Howard

Neta was born in Dayton, Idaho on November 5, 1929. In her early years her family, which included 2 brothers and 2 sisters, relocated twice from Payette, Idaho to Utah and then back, eventually settling on a small farm in Payette. On the farm her mornings began early at 5 a.m. when she would milk the cows, collect the eggs, and help her mother prepare breakfast for her siblings as well as complete other chores before getting ready for school. This work ethic followed her through life.

Neta excelled in school where her report cards were top notch. She graduated from Payette High School in 1947 where she met and married her soon to be husband Jim Padgett in that same year. Soon after graduation she secured her first job at the courthouse as a secretary. She eventually moved to the Wilamette Valley with her husband and 2 children and was hired at Oregon State University in 1961 as an office administrator where she worked for 37 years, retiring in 1998. The marriage ended in 1970.

In 1977 Neta married Gail Howard. They traveled the world together extensively to countless destinations and countries until he passed away in 2001. In 2017 she relocated to Yuma, Arizona where she spent the remaining years of her life.

Before and after retiring Neta had many hobbies including baking, sewing, exercise class, and puzzles, but above all, crocheting! Almost everyone who knew her had some item that she crocheted such as blankets, toilet paper covers and just about anything imagineable or unimagineable. While preparing for her move to Yuma, it was discovered she had over 40 spare crocheted blankets she'd made just waiting to be gifted.

Though Neta mostly kept to herself, she had a unique ability to accept and adapt to any social situation with her calming demeanor, her witty sense of humor, and her infectious chuckle that could warm any room. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Neta is survived by her daughter Linda Korb of Yuma, Arizona, her son Steven Padgett of Nampa, Idaho, as well as 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.