Patricia Ann (Palmer) Howard

Patricia Ann Howard, age 85 of Osceola, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House.  Patricia was born August 9, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Chester and Opal (Flemming) Palmer.  She was a graduate of Clay High School, class of 1957.  Patricia was primarily a homemaker when her children were young, but she later earned her broker’s license in real estate and worked for more than 25 years for the Division of Family and Children Services in Elkhart.

She is survived by her children, Glenda Howard of Sarasota, Florida, Tim Howard of Osceola, Indiana and Greg Howard of Austin, Texas.  Also surviving are her grandchildren Trevor (Molly) Howard, Erica Howard, and Madison Howard. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Glen Howard in 1998, her son Monte Howard in 1985, as well as her sister, Barbara Rynearson in 2011.

Cremation has taken place, and the Howard family will have a private graveside service in Riverview Cemetery where Patricia will be laid to rest beside her son, Monte. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with her care.

Patricia was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the library, which she joyfully called “her happy place!”  She was a fan of Notre Dame sports and loved watching tennis, especially when her favorite player, Rafael Nadal, was on the court.  In her spare time, she also enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. She had a compassionate heart for animals, especially cats, and would lovingly feed and care for the 14 feral cats that frequented her home.

Most of all, Patricia loved being a mother and grandmother to her family.  Her guidance, patience and love will be greatly missed by those closest to her.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which Patricia held dear to her heart.

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