Obituary

Delma Blanche

Madison Howell

1919-2006

A memorial service is 10 a.m. Thursday at The Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church for Delma Blanche Madison Howell, 86, a Gardnerville resident.

Mrs. Howell died Oct. 29, 2006, at the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gardnerville.

Born in Mitchell, S.D., on Nov. 14, 1919, to James and Blanche Pooley Madison, she was raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

She married Vernon Howell on Sept. 10, 1938, and was his partner and best friend for the next 68 years. She had many jobs during her life, but her role as wife, mother and grandmother was her passion. Mrs. Howell was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She belonged to many women's church, reading and social organizations. Mrs. Howell was also known and loved in many areas of Iowa, Nebraska , Missouri, New Jersey and New Mexico.

She held anything printed in highest regard. Newspapers, magazines and books would pile up until she had read every page. She loved music, but due to asthma couldn't sing. Instead, she whistled.

She especially loved people and her face would light up at an old friend or a new acquaintance.

Conversations sparkled, full of humor and her sharp wit. Many strokes later stole her voice. Her dark brown eyes continued to sparkle and her smile could still light up the room.

Mrs. Howell is survived by her husband, Vernon; son, Gary (Donna) Howell of Reno; daughter Patricia (Al) Talamantes of Genoa; brothers Dean Madison of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Douglas Madison of Woodbridge, Va., five grandchildren, Debra, Laura, Wendy, Danielle and Angela, and six great-grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Stephani, Jennifer, Chad and Alana. Delma was preceded in death by siblings, Donald Madison, Dorothy Parsh, Doris Kinney and daughter Janet.

Shepherd of the Sierra is located at 3680 Highway 395 in Indian Hills. Donations may be made to the church's organ fund.