Luana Hower

Luana Smith Hower, 69, of Ashland, passed away early Saturday morning, August 27, 2016, at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 7, 1947, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late Leon and Ruth (Kimball) Smith.

An Ashland resident her entire life, Luana graduated from Ashland High School in 1965. After spending several years as a stay at home mom, she went to work for and retired from Garber's, where she worked in the accounting department. Luana's top priority was spending time with her family. She enjoyed spending her winters in Florida and being in the company of family and friends as much as possible. Luana's gift of unconditional acceptance and love will live on in the lives of those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Gary Hower; two sons, Mike Shafer and Chris (Sherri) Shafer; four grandchildren, Dustin (Danielle) Shafer, Darrin Shafer, Lucas Shafer and Megan Shafer; and one great-grandchild, Ellis. She is also survived by two siblings, Dave (Grace) Smith and Vickie (David) Gerwig; three brothers-in-law, David Hower, James (Ellen) Hower and Tom Hower; and nieces and nephews, Mark (Annella) Newcomer, Jesse (Anita) Newcomer, Laura Smith, Dave (Lynn) Smith, Tina (Bryan) Oswalt, Terry (Nikki) Gerwig, Grant (Amber) Hower and Lauren (Justin) Liming; and several additional nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Luana is preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Charles and Doris Hower; brother, Ronald Smith; and sister and brother-in-law, Dixie and Bob Newcomer.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Dan Allan will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery. Memorial contributions honoring the amazing life of Luana may be made to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 1200 E. Main St., Suite 7, Ashland, Ohio 44805, or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.