Thelma Marie Howard

Thelma Marie Howard, one of three children of Joe Albanese and Maud Damon, was born on May 10, 1924 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up in Council Bluffs and graduated from high school in 1941.

Thelma and Clayton Monroe Howard, son of Grover Cleveland and Goldie Alberta (Stogdill) Howard, of Malvern, Iowa, were married on May 1, 1946 in Glenwood, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Ralph Duane, Thomas Charles, and Clayton Steven. From 1953 to 1976, they made their home in Omaha, Nebraska, where Clayton worked as a city truck driver for Graves Truck Line in Omaha, before moving to live in Malvern.

Thelma and Clayton were married almost 49 years when Clayton passed away in McAllen, Texas on March 12, 1995, near where they spent the winters. Thelma continued to make her home in Malvern.

Thelma was a wonderful homemaker and busy mother. She loved playing the organ, collecting Shirley Temple and John Wayne memorabilia, and had a small weakness for chocolate. She was petite and soft spoken, but told it like it was, and had a great sense of humor. Thelma was a member of the Malvern Red Hats Society and on occasion, attended events at the Senior Center with her friends. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her sons and their families.

Due to declining health, Thelma moved to Skyline Manor in Omaha in March 2012. She passed away there on January 21, 2013, at the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 11 days, and was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clayton; brothers, Don Damon, Robert Damon, and half brother Harry Anderson; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Howard, Iris Vaughn, Helen Rasmussen, and Betty Lundy and husband Loren; and brothers-in-law, Charles Howard and wife Ruth, and Allen Howard.

Thelma is survived by her sons, Ralph Howard and wife Rebecca, Thomas Howard and wife Debbie, and Clayton "Steve" Howard and wife Mary, all of
Omaha; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and other relatives
and friends.

Memorials are directed to the family.

Interment in Malvern Cemetery.

Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.