Zella Howes

Long time Ithaca resident, Zella Howes, age 102, went to her final Rest at her home in Ithaca on February 24, 2016.

 

Zella was born in Hamilton Township to Ellis and Mabel (Greer) Flegel in 1913.  She married William Henry (Bill) Howes Sr.  in October of 1932 and together they raised 7 children and lived continually in Ithaca.  She toiled as a homemaker for years and eventually went into the restaurant buisiness, owning Bill's Recreation from the early 60's to the late 70's.  She was well-known for her home cooking and people would come from far and wide for a piece of her pies.

She was exceptionally close to her 7 brothers and 1 sister, and was fond of visiting the Brick Alley Pub to enjoy conversation, a cheeseburger and beer with her brother, Nyal and any other family members who'd be willing to join in.  She lived to ride her snowmobile, often taking over an hour just to put the thing back in the shed after unloading it from the trailer.  

In Zella's mind there was nothing better than dancing to a polka and always looked forward to the grandchildren getting married and the reception that followed. She was an adventurous  mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother and will be missed by friends and family alike.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1986, as well as 3 children, George Howes, Ann Hamp, Bill Howes Jr, son-in-law Dave Hoffman, and granddaughter Deana Howes Muto.

 She is survived by 2 son's and 2 daughter's.  Roger (Joan)Howes of Ashley, Karolyn Hoffman of Mt. Pleasant,  Stan Howes of Ithaca and Kathy(Tom)Kanitz of Circleville, Ohio and 2 brothers, Donald (Catherine) Flegel of Brant and Phillip(Nancy)Flegel of Elsie as well as sister's-in-law Jeanne Flegel, Sandra Flegel and Carol Lynn Flegel.   She also leaves behind 25 grandchildren,  45 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

A memorial service will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca on February 29 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday February 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the Ithaca Commission on Aging, 515 S. Pine River, Ithaca, Michigan, Gratiot County.

Comments

[Carol and Richard Merchant]

Zella was precious, a gift to Ithaca. I taught her organ lessons and she taught me lots of things as we sat on the bench together. I loved her. Condolences to her lucky family.
Fondly - Carol (and Dick) Merchant

[Diane Leiter]

My sincerest condolences to Stanley and the family. I know your mother kept you on your toes with her humor, love and adventurous spirit, and she will be missed greatly by so many.

[Kathryn Trexler Moreman]

So sorry for your loss Roger, and family.

[Richard Ramereiz]

Stanley,
Our deepest sympathy to you Stan and to the family on the loss of your Mother, Zella. Being 102 year old, we are sure she had you going all the time.

[Linda Thum Carpenter]

To Zella's Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss of Zella. I have so many good memories of spending time at the Howes home while growing up. She was such a sweet lady.
Linda Thum Carpenter
Wasilla, Alaska

[Gary & Marty McDaid]

Our dear Howes family....our hearts are heavy for your loss, but I'd to think that Zellie is making a special treat to make the Lord smile. She sure made everyone she met, smile. Don't cry because it's over....SMILE because she happened!!! Luv to all

[Sue (Grandy) Nagtzaam-Engel]

Stan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are an awesome son to have taken such good care of your mom. Your crown will contain many jewels!

[Teri Mills]

To the Howes family: I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.

[Becky Patterson Dickman]

I am so sorry for your loss. Zella was truly one of a kind. I enjoyed working for her and Bill while I was in high school. She always let us have our fun, but with just one look she would let us know when it was time to get back to some serious work. What a blessing for the family to have had her with them for so many years. She will be missed.

[Becky Patterson Dickman]

I am so sorry for your loss. Zella was truly one of a kind. I enjoyed working for her and Bill while I was in high school. She always let us have our fun, but with just one look she would let us know when it was time to get back to some serious work. What a blessing for the family to have had her with them for so many years. She will be missed.

[Mary]

The wonderful stories of Zella from The Howes family spoke so much of this spunky lady. Sorry for your family's loss.

[Deb]

Many memories growing up with this family. What an amazing cook and she always made us laugh. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[Sally Helwig]

Stan, you were a wonderful son to stay and take care of mom. On this you will not have any regrets. You gave your best to her. So sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you.

[Bob Gager]

To the entire Howes family. ..my deepest condolences. Words seem so empty. Hugs to you all.

[Sue Grigar]

Stan and Kathy, Prayers and condolences to your entire family. So sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure everyone will miss her.

[Scott Johnson]

As I set here in the restaurant that will always be "Bill Recreation" aka The Card Room. Their spirit will always be here. This was the place for banana cream pie, it was treat to sit at the bar on a stool and just enjoy it. They are engraved in the memories of so many and will always be remembered and loved.

[Connie Prusia]

Stan sorry for your loss of your mother. You will have such good memories to have and share with your family. You helped me with my mom when I was careing for her.

[Roger Goodman]

Stan & Kathy, sorry to hear about your mom. She no doubt live a long and fruitful life....keep her memory alive..

[Ronna Le]

Praying for Zella's family during this difficult time. She led a long and full life; leaving behind a beautiful legacy of memories and wonderful family.

[John & Elaine Thomas]

Aunt Zella gave us all an example of tackling life with humor, determination and adventure. She will be missed.

[Barb Stahl]

I am sorry for the loss of Your amazing Mom. Hugs and Prayers. God Bless You All.

[Kathy Howes kanitz]

Thank each one of you for your messages of love & support to our family on our loss of mother "Zella". I just saw them & appreciate them. She will be missed & it helps knowing she touched so many lives. On behalf of our large family, thank you!

[Kathy Howes kanitz]

Thank each one of you for your messages of love & support to our family on our loss of mother "Zella". I just saw them & appreciate them. She will be missed & it helps knowing she touched so many lives. On behalf of our large family, thank you!