HOWARD, Verna Anna

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, September 09, 2014 Verna Anna Howard July 26, 1917 - August 15, 2014 On Aug. 15, 2014, God opened his arms and took his beloved Daughter home to be with Him. Verna Anna Howard was that beloved Daughter. Verna was born on July 26, 1917 in Loveland, Colo. to Peter P. and Anna S. Kitzmann who preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, John C. Howard, on Aug. 23, 1943; he preceded her in death on April 19, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Ione A. Widener and Wilma P. Migliacci; and one brother, Elmer P. Kitzmann; her loving son, James E. Howard; and granddaughter, Shaleen Ann Howard; plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her sons, John (Rusty) C. Howard II (wife Joni D. Howard), Jayson P. Howard (wife Zeni Howard); and her daughter-in-law, Marguerite Howard; plus many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Verna pledged into Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority in 1948. Sorority life became a huge part of Verna’s, her husband John’s and their three boys’ lives. Verna and Johnny lived in Phoenix until their retirement in 1982 and at that time they moved to Pine, Ariz. to settle in their beautiful retirement home. Once settled, she couldn’t wait to start a chapter of sorority for her Pine friends. Zeta Zeta Chapter started in 1984 with 13 members on Nov. 13, 1984 and the members have continued to meet new ones and continue to communicate with them. She will be greatly missed by her family that loved her dearly and by her friends that loved and learned from this very special woman who is now with her Johnny, Mama, Papa and Jim. There will be a celebration of Verna’s life at 2 p.m., Sept. 20, 2014 at Rusty and Joni’s house, 161 N. Buggy Wheel Ct. in Deer Creek, 13 miles south of Payson. Please RSVP to Joni at (928) 951-0900. The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their wonderful and loving care of our Mother while she was ill; they are Angels, all of them; and we wish to thank Kim and Nova at The Open Door Group home for their wonderful care and compassion. God bless you all.