BARBARA ANN HOWARD
June 3, 1930 ˜ August 24, 2019
On Saturday, August 24, 2019, Barbara ""Babs"" Ann Howard of Vancouver, Washington, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. She was born on June 3, 1930 in Seattle, Washington to Gerald and Margaret Patten. The youngest of two children, she attended and graduated from Aquinas Academy High School in Tacoma, Washington.
Barbara went on to graduate, with honors, from Seattle University where she was voted the Most Outstanding Women Graduate in her Senior Class.
After raising a family, she obtained a Masters degree from University of Portland.
On April 23, 1954, Barbara married her husband, Robert ""Bob"" Howard. They were true partners for 64 years and their devotion to each other equaled the devotion to their children who provided never-ending joy, challenge, and adventure.
Barbara had a long career in Social Services and in her various capacities, made a lasting impact on those she mentored, supervised, and worked alongside.
She was a communicant at St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she was an active member for 50 years, volunteering as a Eucharistic and Outreach Minister, and an Annulment Advocate for the Parish.
In both her professional and volunteer roles, Barbara was known for her warmth, compassion, wit, and tireless advocacy.
Barbara's family was her greatest love, but socializing, playing bridge, reading novels, and watching The Mariners and Bluebloods followed close behind.
Barbara is survived by her six children, Karen O'Neal (Tom), Margaret Howard, John Howard, Michael Howard, Jeanne Marie Butterworth (Tom), Paul Howard (Julchen); her seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Kayla, Elliott, Tori, Ryan and Allison; great-grandson, Maverick;. and her half brother, Tom Patten.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in December 2018; her parents, Margaret and Gerald Patten; and brother, Richard.
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6606 Highland Drive, Vancouver, WA at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's honor can be made to the following organizations: Life Works, 906 New York St., Longview, WA 98632 or The Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661.
We would like to thank the entire staff at the Ray Hickey Hospice House for the compassionate, loving care they gave our mother during her final days.
Please sign her guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I MISS HER AS MUCH TODAY AS I DID LAST YEAR. R.I.P. LOVE TECKIE
Teckla Shaylor
Friend
August 22, 2020
Such a nice person. I was lucky to know her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Mary Shepard
September 10, 2019
We were so sorry to read about Babs's death.
We were at Black Butte which was one of her
very favorite places and could not attend her funeral mass. Babs was such a lovely person. We were blessed to have known her.
Denny and MF Duggan
September 4, 2019
The world has lost a wonderful person. From honoring Jeanne D. to pushing to create what is now Y's Cares, Barb was always the most fun person to do things with! Barb, glad you're back with Bob now.
Beth Taylor
September 2, 2019
To the best Godmother someone could hope for, Babs was that person! Independent, loving, fun + most generous, I'm lucky my parents chose her for me!
with love and much affection
Rhoady Lee Alan Gartenhaus
August 31, 2019
Barbara Howard was such a blessing to our community and we are honored to have had the opportunity to meet her. Love and Blessings to her family.
Jim & Marjorie Gulliford
August 31, 2019
Dear Family and friends, Babs was such a dear friend to me, We shared many good times and some sad times together, even as she was passing she stilled cared about my family . I will miss her so much ,but know that I will see her one day in Heaven. my love and prayers to each of you. Always, Teckla and Merle Shaylor.
Teckla Shaylor
August 30, 2019
Barbara played bridge with my parents, Ralph and Margaret Hancock, years ago. When my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and had gone bald from chemo she said he looked like Kojack and brought him suckers. From that time on we fondly called her Kojack Barb. I will never forget her kindness to my parents.
My heartfelt sympathy to her children and family.
Patsy Carlson
August 30, 2019
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more