M. Lenora Howe, 77, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, September 29, 2020. She was born October 17, 1942 to Charlie “Bud” and Viola (Adams) Dowlin in Beloit.
Lenora married Robert “Bob” Howe October 23, 1960 in Barnard.
She was preceded in death by parents, husband and brother, Leo Dowlin.
Survivors are her children, Noralea (Steven) Clark, Olsburg and David Howe, Jupiter, Florida; sister-in-law Janet Dowlin, Barnard; grandchildren, Hattie (Cody) Odette, Ethan (Raquell) Clark, Dawson Howe, and Addison Howe; great-grandchildren, Brantley Odette, Willow Clark, and two on the way in January.
This sweet, generous soul grew up on a farm north of Barnard in a limestone rock house originally built as a hotel to accommodate railroad passengers. Lenora attended Third Creek Grade School and Barnard High School - graduating with the class of 1960. She participated in drama, glee club and band. Lenora was a member of First Baptist Church, Barnard. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, bible school, youth group. She was also was involved in ABW, choir and social committee helping plan and serve funeral lunches.
Lenora planned to attend beauty school after graduation, but a better plan came after meeting and falling in love with Bob while her family operated gas station at Coursen Grove. She was active in Salt Creek 4-H growing up and later served diligently when her children were members. Lenora was a beautiful seamstress, making her own wedding dress, her daughter’s, and her granddaughter’s. Her and her mom Viola operated Dowlin Upholstery Shop for many years recovering and refinishing furniture. “Norie” always had a love of people, a sweet soul who truly loved socializing. She was a faithful servant to so many friends and neighbors who were in need. She took great pride in serving on Salt Creek Township, Milo Cemetery, Lincoln County Area Agency on Aging and Hospice Board.
Lenora was a wonderful cook, thoroughly loved baking and cooking. After taking only one class in cake decorating, she began making beautifully decorated cakes. The homemade donuts were melt in your mouth delicious. She served as cook at Rita’s Café, Barnard Grade School, Barnard Lion’s Club and worked at Betty’s Place. Lenora worked at Barnard Post Office as well as the Ada Post Office, treasured greeting customers while completing her tasks. She was a dedicated help mate to Bob when they farmed and raised livestock together.
Her family was so dear to her, always looking for any chance to meet somewhere. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and neighbor who sacrificed her own well being many times for anyone in need of a listening ear or help. Her and Bob were part of a bowling league in Minneapolis. Bob and she took many trips to see trains, ride trains and travel to many social events. Lenora’s life was filled with a series of “interesting” events she enjoyed telling us about, look back later and laugh about together. She loved her extended family with all her heart. Offering herself as a caregiver to widows or those who had no one. Her life was an example of self-denial, making the most of each day and seldom said no to any request. She was a shining example of generosity, hospitality and courage through the many trials in her life, saying: “There’s always something to be thankful for.” If you went for a visit to her home, you were welcomed in and sent home with a delicious treat.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 5 at Milo Cemetery, Barnard. Due to COVID-19, social distancing will be practiced. Visitation will be Sunday, October 4 from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Wilson Family Funeral Home, no family present. Memorial contributions may be made to the Milo Cemetery directory and may be left in care of the funeral home.