Della Martha Howlett

Della Martha Howlett, the seventh of ten children born to the union of the late Floyd and Ida Elizabeth (Sanders) Black, was born January 26, 1920 in Brownfield, Laclede County, Missouri. As a young girl, she attended Prospect School and attended Richland High School. On May 28, 1937 at First Baptist Church of Waynesville in a double wedding ceremony, Della was united in marriage to the love of her life, Rollins Robert Howlett. They shared over 70 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Robert, Morris, Max and Katherine. Della was a very caring person and loved children. For many years, she kept children in her home and has touched many lives through doing so. Many young people in Richland call her "Grandma Della." In her spare time, Della enjoyed doing handwork, quilting, and crocheting. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Della made an important decision in her life at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Richland and attended faithfully until her health began to decline. Della went home to be with her Lord Thursday, December 18, 2014 in the Mercy Hospital of Lebanon, Missouri having attained the age of 94 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Della leaves to cherish her memory, her four children: Robert Howlett and wife Mary Louise of Richland, MO, Morris Howlett and wife Linda of Richland, MO, Max Howlett and wife Vonnie of Bolivar, MO and Katherine Gan and husband Lloyd of Richland, MO; one sister: Mary Lou Southard of Richland, MO; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Della was preceded in death by her husband, Rollins Howlett; one grandson: Larry Lloyd Gan; one great grandson: Travis Gan; four brothers: James, Verlan, Tom and George Black; and four sisters: Ruth Harrison, Helen Anderson, Watye Nicks and Loraine Meilahn. Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2014, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Bob Lilly officiating. Pianist, Marleen Brown accompanied Soloist, Deborah Powell as she sang “It Is Well With My Soul,” “How Great Thou Art” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Serving as escorts were Terry Gan, Adam Gan, Cody Durreman, Jamie Layton, Zach Layton and Bob Howlett. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the Direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Della Martha Howlett

January 26, 1920 - December 18, 2014