Janice Ann Howard

Janice Ann Howard, 86 of Garfield, AR, passed away on May 21st, 2026 due to a long-term battle with Parkinson's Disease. She passed away peacefully at the Circle of Life Hospice Home in Bentonville, AR with her daughter Kelly at her side.

Janice was born on May 17th,1940 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to James A. Phillips and Elnora Hamilton Phillips.

On March 1st, 2001, Janice married Orville (Wayne) Howard in Garfield, Arkansas. Janice and Wayne enjoyed a beautiful life on the shores of Beaver Lake until Wayne passed away unexpectedly in 2009. Janice continued to enjoy their beautiful home on Beaver Lake for another 17 years.

Janice began working as a Service Representative for Bell Telephone in her early 20’s. Janice continued with Bell Telephone, and her successful career lasted over 30 years.

Janice loved lake life and went boating often. She also enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends and family, and was always ready for a party.

Janice was a member of Lost Bridge Community Church in Garfield. She was very active in the Church, in Hobbits and in the community.

Janice is survived by:

Her daughter Kelly Strange and husband David of Garfield; and son, Kipp Baker of Estes Park, Colorado; Kelly and David's son Cory Strange and wife Shawna of Copper Canyon, Texas; Cory’s children Caleb and Colby Strange; their son Cameron Strange and wife Stephanie of Schertz, Texas; Cameron’s children Gracie Guy and husband Sterling; their baby Miles Henry, and daughters Faith Strange and Ellie Strange; daughter-In-Law Shannon Strange and her children Star, Savannah, and Casey Strange of Richland Hills, Texas; Wayne's son Mike and wife Valerie Howard of Bangor Maine; Mike’s daughter Emma; Wayne’s daughter Katherine and husband John Boggs of Atlanta Georgia; Kathy's son Luke Hoagland and wife Monica; Luke’s children Clark and Naomi; and Kathy's son Wayne Hoagland.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her brother James Phillips; her late husband Bill Matthews; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; her late husband Wayne Howard; grandson Casey Ryan Strange; and great-granddaughter Chloe Michelle Strange.

Memorial service will be held at Lost Bridge Community Church, Garfield, Arkansas on Tuesday June 2nd at 4:00 pm.

Memorial donations in Janice’s memory may be directed to Lost Bridge Community Church memorial fund, or Lives Under-Construction Boys Ranch.