Phylis M. Howe, 77, of Ellington, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 30, 2012), in Jamestown.
A lifelong Ellington resident, she was born May 13, 1935, in the family home, and was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mae Brown Johnson.
Phylis was a graduate of Falconer High School, and in earlier years was employed by First National Bank. She had served as a caregiver to children and the elderly in the Ellington community for numerous years. Prior to retirement, Phylis was employed by Falconer Central School, retiring in 1997.
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Phylis M. Howe
Phylis was a member of the Ellington United Methodist Church, served as a church trustee and on numerous committees within the church. She was a charter member of the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary, was a member of the United Methodist Women, Ellington Town Picnic Committee and past member of the Town of Poland Senior Citizens. Phylis had served as a volunteer for R.S.V.P., Ellington Food Pantry, and had served as an election inspector for the Chautauqua County Board of Elections. In earlier years, along with her husband, Burdette had served as first responders having answered emergency calls in their home for the Ellington Fire Department.
Phylis was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed Friday night dinners and playing cards with close friends, baking, cooking, gardening, flowers, the family farm and reading.
Surviving are her husband, Burdette M. Howe, whom she married Feb. 17, 1956, in Kennedy; four children: James B. (Patti) Howe of Westport, Conn., Rhonda M. (Bob) Lindquist and Brenda L. (Christopher) Fischer, all of Falconer; and Jarrett L. Howe of New York City; four grandchildren: Jacob Fischer, Joshua Fischer, Maxwell Lindquist and Caroline Howe; three brothers: Robert S. (Ethelyn) Johnson of Frewsburg, Gary L. (Kathleen) Johnson of Frewsburg, and Lloyd K. Johnson Jr. (late Sue Johnson) of Ellington; and several nieces.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Cameron J. Howe, in 2012; and a nephew, Douglas L. Johnson in 2011.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home. The Rev. Gordon Damsteegt, pastor of Ellington United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Chad Sayers, pastor of Falconer United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Ellington.
Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Memorials may be donated to the Ellington United Methodist Church, Box 361, Ellington, NY 14732.
Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to light a candle in remembrance.
