Gertrude B. Howell

Gertrude B. “Gertie” Howell, 82, of Barnhill, O., passed away on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Park Village in Dover after a period of declining health.

Born November 21, 1927 in Barnhill, O., she was the daughter of the late Thomas M. and Lucy M. (Scott) Ohler.

As a member of the New Life Center Ministries, the former Barnhill United Methodist Church, Gertie enjoyed playing piano at church services. Gertie was also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Following her graduation from Midvale High School in 1945, Gertie had worked for Montgomery Wards until their closing and then worked as a very knowledgeable appliance salesperson for both Nichols Discount City and Ehlers Appliance store until they closed. She also enjoyed getting together monthly with the Montgomery Ward retirees and attending Midvale High School Alumni events until her health no longer permitted it.

On August 18, 1945, Gertie married Karl E. Howell. They were blessed with forty-eight years of marriage until his passing in June of 1993. They are survived by a son, Rick Howell and his wife, Peggy, of Barnhill; a daughter, Dru Bichsel and her husband, Bill, of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Terri Jo Dudziak and her husband, Shawn, Heath Howell, Darcie, Emily and Josh Bichsel all of New Philadelphia; several nieces and nephews including Lucy Ricklic and Tom and Jim Bonner; and several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

All of Gertie’s grandchildren brought a lot of joy to her life. She loved attending their sporting events and other activities and so cherished her memories of the time she spent with them.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, George Howell, a brother, Clyde Ohler and sister and brother-in-law, Mildred “Mayme” and husband Forest Bonner.

Services for Gertie, officiated by Pastor Fred Battles, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 13, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home at Dennison. Interment will follow beside her beloved husband in Evergreen Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday for visitation. Those wishing to honor Gertie’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the New Life Center Ministries or the Midvale Barnhill Brightwood Volunteer Fire Dept.

R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com