Shannon Kay Howard

Two weeks ago, Dad came to Mom in a dream. He was young again, vibrantly healthy and smiling as he reached out to her, inviting her to come dance with him. At 8:45 AM, Monday June 5, 2017, she peacefully left this earth to go dance with her beloved Donnie in Heaven. Shannon Kay (Merrell) Howard was born to Charles Everett and Cora Belle (Miller) Merrell on March 16, 1937 in Cass County, Indiana. She was the 13th in a line of 16 siblings. Her youngest brother, Frankie was the only one to not survive childhood. After a 2-year engagement, she married Wayne Donival “Donnie” Howard Jr. Donnie passed away on July 29, 2007 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. They were blessed with four children: Max Allen, Ronald Wayne, Randall Joe, and Teresa Kay. Shannon’s whole life was devoted to her family. After retiring from GM, she spent the next decades enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing Bingo, traveling to Florida with Donnie, playing Bingo, throwing lavish Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, and playing Bingo. Dad loved it whenever Mom went to play Bingo, because she won with incredible frequency and always gave him half her winnings.

She is survived by her loving sister, Mrs. Bill (Becky) Hoover, her children, friends, extended family, and a multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her granddaughter Sarah Lynn Howard and great grandson Cory VanMeter preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank Great Lakes Caring Hospice, especially Carrie, Laura, and Ashley. Special thanks as well to Lisa and Quincy on the fourth floor at St. Vincent-Kokomo,

Shannon’s viewing and celebration of life will be Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor David Leeder officiating. Burial will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Brian Howard, Jeremy Howard, Ryan Howard, Christopher Howard, Ivan Hollingsworth, and Tobias Reed.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28