Our Loving Mother, Erma Howell, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 90.

She was born April 11, 1928 in Minden, NE, one of nine children to Elmer & Etta (Griffin) Smith. Erma graduated from high school and went on to get her Normal Training. She taught in country schools in Nebraska.

She met and married Jerry Howell on Aug. 27, 1947 in Kearney, NE. They taught school together until the birth of their first child. Jerry continued teaching and eventually that brought them to Phillipsburg.

Erma was a faithful member of the United Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, Patrick Wayne, two granddaughters, Audrey Gregory & Nicole Dougherty, two brothers, Alan & Ted, and two sisters, Margie & Verna.

Survivors include her sons, Michael & wife, Sharon of Hays, KS and Tim of Phillipsburg; her daughters, Linda Dougherty & husband, Bernie of Parsons, KS and Joyce Gregory of Lucas, KS; three brothers: David Smith of Gibbon, NE, Delbert Smith of Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and Clint Smith of Kearney, NE; one sister, Leota Kline of Ravenna, NE; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Chris Davis officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Friends may sign the book on Thursday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the United Presbyterian Church.