HOWARD, Dorothy

Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, AZ Wednesday, October 15, 2003 Funeral services for Dorothy Howard, 78, of Thatcher were conducted Oct. 1 at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center by Bishop Randall Norton. Concluding services followed in the Hubbard Cemetery. Dorothy Larson Howard was born March 2, 1925, in Glenbar to Lehi Larson Jr. and Della McBride Larson. Dorothy attended school in Bryce, Pima and Mesa Union High School. She graduated as valedictorian from the eighth grade. In high school, she served as student-body secretary and graduated in 1942. Dorothy married Gene Howard Dec. 17, 1942, in the Mesa LDS Temple. She owned and managed Howard's Mobile Home Park for 33 years, along with the Eagle's Roost for 16 years. Dorothy loved her country and was very patriotic. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of her religion and practiced it by serving others. Her hands were never idle; she was either tying a quilt for Christmas, crocheting a baby blanket, embroidering dish towels for a new bride, making porcelain dolls, pulling weeds, planting flowers, putting puzzles togther, working crossword puzzles, making delicious meals, giving hugs or holding hands. Dorothy passed away in her home Sept. 27, 2003. Funeral services were conducted at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center on Oct.1, with Bishop Randall Norton officiating. The life story was given by Nancy Griffin and the sermon was given by Jeff Larson. Bonnie Russell presented "Memories of Grandma." Special musical numbers were "Oh, I Had Such a Pretty Dream, Mamma," sung by Rachel French and Jennifer Bryce, and "The Sweetest Story Ever Told," sung by Ronnie Howard. The accompanist was Patti Kempton. A piano solo was performed by Kimi Larson and prelude and postlude music was by harpist Rebecca Bryce. Graveside services followed at the Hubbard Cemetery. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Gene Howard. Dorothy is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, Gene R. Howard; her children, Ronald G. Howard (Janice Allen), Nancy Griffin (Bill), Jeanne Bryce (Brooks), Mary Bryce (Dan), Ruth Larson (Greg), and Patti Kempton (Mark); her brothers and sisters, Ramona Ferrin, Viola Slade, Bevan Larson, Theo Larson, Della Beals, Talmage Larson, Coreene O'Dell and Phillip Walker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Donna Matthews and Velma Allred. She has 30 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were en-trusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.