Delorise V. Howell

Delorise V. Howell, 93, of Hannibal, Mo., passed away at 11:20 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2014, at Luther Manor Nursing Center. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel. Pastor Kenneth Schamber will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2014, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel. Delorise was born June 2, 1921 in Hannibal to William F. & Thresie Vark. She was married February 13, 1949 to Otis F. Howell who preceded her in death in 1983. She is survived by two daughters, Martha Serati (Jim) of Fenton MO, Mary Zacharias (Eric), of Cologne, MN; eight grandchildren, Evan, Luke and Lori Zacharias , Deana Minick and Kevin Sexton (Kim), Jason Serati (Kara) , Carrie Gobble (Gary), the late Christina Serati; one brother Charles Vark (Evelyn) of Mesa, AZ, eleven great grandchildren, one niece and three nephews. After graduating from Hannibal High School with honors in 1939 she started working at the Hannibal Courier Post. She held various positions from proof reader, reporter, and secretary to the publisher before being selected to be the first woman circulation manager in the Lee Papers organization. She often spoke of 'her paperboys' and was proud of their accomplishments. While at the paper she met Otis who was a photographer and after marrying she quit in 1953 prior to the birth of her first child. When her girls were both in school she returned to the workforce in a State Farm agent's office and later with American Family. No matter where she worked she was always the 'face behind the desk' that customers could rely on for help in any situation. She and Otis enjoyed camping and square dancing and traveled to several areas of the country prior to his death. After she retired she continued to travel including a trip to England and Scotland. She was a member of the Delta Sigma club associated with the YMCA and in her later years was a member of the LWML of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, attending the conventions as a delegate. She was an active member of the Ladies' Ensemble of the Mark Twain Men's Chorale and served on the board for Luther Manor Nursing Home. Delorise was an avid Cardinals fan, loved to read, knit and crochet and was always involved in the college basketball 'March Madness'. Delorise was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, with her final membership at Immanuel Lutheran in West Ely. Her strong religious upbringing gave her comfort in her later years and the strength to continue as her health failed. She will be missed by her loving family and friends. The family wishes to thank all who have helped her in her final days; Dr. Lent Johnson, the staff at Pleasant View Assisted Living, and the staff of Luther Manor Nursing Home. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, in care of the Smith Funeral Home.