Retta Howard

Retta Howard, 97, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2018 in Lacey, Washington, where she resided the last 24 years.  She was born August 28, 1921 to Aroah Hatcher and Emma Pilkington Hatcher in Micro Township, Johnston County, North Carolina. Over the years, she also lived in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Retta attended school in North Carolina.  She married Raymond Howard on January 11, 1956.  He passed away September 12, 1942, after which she married Floyd Hensley.  Retta was a homemaker, farmer, volunteer, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She had a very good heart and soul.  She was an awesome mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.  Family was everything to Retta.  She cherished every moment she spent with her family. Known as “Granny” to family and friends, she was always there for those she loved. 

Among Retta’s interests were reading, quilting, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking, and traveling. She enjoyed the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when she could bake her famous apple pies!  She was strong willed, independent, caring and loving. 

Retta will be forever remembered and held close in the hearts of those she left behind.  She is survived by her daughters, Jenny Howard and Pamela (Jon) Wagner; grandchildren, Taun (Scott) Melby, Pamela Howard, Raymond Howard; great grandchildren, Scotty (Jessica) Melby, Tiffany (Brock) Slade, Cassidy Melby, Jacob (Amanda) Waller; and great-great grandchildren, Tyler Melby, Kelsey Melby, Lilly Lee, Isabella Slade, Ava Waller, Logan Waller, and four others in Chicago who were deeply loved.  She was predeceased by her parents; husbands; son, Raymond Howard; and grandson, Billy Waller.

Services will be held Tuesday, November 20, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at Funeral Alternatives of Washington, 2830 Willamette Dr. NE, Lacey, WA 98516.  She will be laid to rest in Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, Illinois.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Mrs. Howard’s life.   Memories or photos maybe shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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