Norma Joanne Howe

Joanne Howe, age 94, passed away on May 3, 2026 in Greeley, CO. She was born on Christmas day, December 25, 1931 to Nora Caroline Wilson and Blair Henry Thomas in Mineral Point, PA. She was the youngest child, having three older brothers.

Joanne grew up in a home with music and Christian values. After graduating from high school, she left home to attend Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania where she graduated with a degree in Music Education on May 25th, 1953. She met the love of her life, Bill Howe, her first year, and they were married on June 20, 1953 there in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Bill had enlisted in the US Air Force band. While serving in the Air Force, they lived in Texas, Mississippi, France and Nebraska. Their oldest two sons were born at Keesler Air Force base in MS and youngest son was born in France.

Following Air Force service, they moved to Fort Morgan, CO where both Bill and Joanne taught music in schools for ten years. After moving to Greeley in 1969, she earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1971. She continued her career teaching third grade and elementary music until her retirement in 1991 after 30 years of teaching.

Joanne was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she has served in many leadership, teaching, and music positions in the organizations of the church. She also was a temple worker at the Denver and Fort Collins Temples of the church.

Her greatest treasures were her family and her role as “Grammy.” Life was never dull when Grammy was around. Each grandchild had unique adventures and special times with her. Joanne set an example of kindness and concern for everyone. Whether through a kind deed or a well-timed joke, she had a gift for brightening the lives of those around her.

After 71 years of marriage, her husband Bill passed away before her in July 2024. Also going before her were her parents, her brothers, a granddaughter, many dear friends and relatives. She had faith in an eternal reunion with Christ and her loved ones.

She leaves behind her three sons and wives: Craig & Marilyn Howe of Layton, UT; Brett & Cathy Howe of Loveland, CO; Blair & Colette Howe of Greeley; and bonus daughter MaryClare Maslyn of Slippery Rock, PA. Also, 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Viewing at Stoddard Funeral Home June 1 6:30pm to 8pm

Funeral Service Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2116 23rd Ave Greeley June 2 with viewing from 9am to 9:45am. Funeral Service at 10am with internment at Sunset Memorial Gardens Directly following around 12 noon.