Susan A. Howard

Susan A. Howard, 83, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away September 14, 2024, at Orchard (assisted living facility) in Athens, GA. She was born on February 22, 1941, in Plymouth, IN, to Charles W. and Ruby J. (Hisey) Clough. She married James H. Howard on July 27, 1962. He passed in 2022.

After graduating from Plymouth High School, Sue earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame. Following her marriage, she worked as a nurse at hospitals in Iowa and Minnesota while her husband earned his veterinary degree. He graduated in 1965, and they moved to southern California where Jim was an associate with a practice in Torrance. Seeking a good place to have a veterinary practice and raise a family, Sue and Jim moved to Wooster in 1970 and established Cleveland Road Animal Hospital. Following retirement, they added Athens, GA, as a part-of-the-year residence so they could enjoy their granddaughter’s childhood.

Sue had a strong love for children. Summers at the Howard home was filled with the children of family and friends. She taught Sunday school, served as homeroom parent, and contributed to Wooster area programs that were child-focused. She supported numerous charities aimed at improving the lives of children in America and worldwide.

What began as a son’s 4-H project grew into a large flock of Southdown sheep that the family raised, exhibited and sold under the banner “A Long Way From L.A. Southdowns.” Sue actively supported her children as they showed sheep at state and local fairs, and with those unseen chores like middle-of-the-night lambing checks.

Sue was a founding member of the Handweaving and Spinning Guild of Wayne County. Not only did she spin, but she was a prodigious knitter, producing countless shawls, baby blankets, caps and scarves. Beginning in 2019, she knitted hundreds of squares that were made into blankets for the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA.

Gardens were Sue’s delight. She and Jim created lovely ones filled with roses, herbs, spring-flowering bulbs, and more at their home on Lincoln Way West and later a smaller version when they moved to Tatum Drive in Wooster.

Surviving are her children: Charles C. Howard of Cincinnati, OH, Anne S. (Hakan Bergon) Howard of Alexandria, VA, and Katherine N. (Jean) Arnold of Athens, GA, granddaughter, Leila Arnold; bonus-grandchildren: Emma and Jack Bergon, sisters-in-law, Cathy Clough of Plymouth, IN, Lucy Ann Strait of Boulder, CO, Nancy Sue Reed of Hamilton, IN; brother-in-law, Paul F. (Christine) Howard of Hilton Head, SC.; several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Charles “Ben” Clough.

To honor Sue’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. There will be a private celebration of life with family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Westview Healthy Living, Orchard at Athens, Bristol Hospice of Athens, and Visiting Angels of Athens.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Sue’s memory at stjude.org.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.