HOWARD, Ruth Ellen

Arizona Daily Star, 10 July 2005 Ruth Ellen Howard died suddenly at her Shelton, Washington summer home on July 3, 2005. She was 69 years old and had lived in Tucson since 1981. She was born October 24, 1935 in Plainwell, Michigan to James and Margaret (Wood) Anderson. She married Alan E. Howard on September 4, 1965. Mrs. Howard was raised in Otsego, Michigan and attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She held several jobs during her life, becoming proficient as a bookkeeper and proofreader, skills of great importance when she helped her husband found and operate Sundance Press in Tucson. Ruth particularly enjoyed the care and companionship of her dogs, reading both fiction and non-fiction, cooking and traveling the U.S. by motor home. Her family was very important to her and during the past number of years her outside interests waned and her attention centered on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an extremely generous and giving person who supported many charities. Her son, Steven Smith, her step-daughter, Lesley Fahrenbacher and her grandson, Jason Smith, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Donna Chapman of Shelton, Washington; son, Bruce Smith of Foley, Alabama; daughter, Deborah Ness of Tucson; son, Michael Smith of Tucson; step-sons, Fred Howard of Tucson and Rod Howard of Berkeley, California; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine Carpenter of Tucson; and nephew, David Collins of Galesburg, Michigan. Visitation will be Monday, July 11, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, 1050 North Dodge. A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at Pantano Baptist Church, 225 South Pantano, with interment at All Faiths Memorial Park immediately after. Memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army, Gospel Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice.