Carol J. Howard

Carol J. Howard, of Richland, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the age of 81. Carol was born on June 24, 1941 in Kalamazoo. She was the daughter of William and Virginia (Harrington) Harris. Carol attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1959. It was during these years that she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Richard Howard. They married on December 11, 1959 and had two sons together: Dennis and Craig. While her boys were growing up, she stayed at home, once they were in school, she became a Para-pro for Comstock Public Schools, a career she very much enjoyed.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and observing nature out her windows at home. She was also very active in her kids and grandchildren’s activities.  Carol loved to spend time with her friends, some of them forever friends from high school.  She also loved get-away trips to casinos.  She and Rich have spent winters in Florida for 20 years where she met and enjoyed many special friends.   Whenever there was a get together, Carol’s potato salad was a big hit.  Her son’s remember popcorn and Pepsi on Sunday’s nights.   Carol’s family will remember her as sweet, kind, simply lovely, and at times when she needed to be, very tolerant.

Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard; two sons: Dennis (Kelley) Howard, of Scotts; Craig (Carrie) Howard, of Comstock; three grandsons: Chad (Sara) Howard, Tyler (Shannon) Howard, and Chase Howard; six great grandchildren: Ben, Lydia, Nina, Harvey, Cooper and Clarke. She is also survived by her sister: Pat (Chuck) Arney, of Comstock; brother-in-law’s: Roy (Sandy) Howard, of Richland and Bob (Kenna) Howard, of Richland; several nieces and nephews and her trusted companion at home, her dog Veto. Carol is preceded in death by her parents: William and Virginia Harris; and her sister and brother-in-law: Beth and Bob Dunfield.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held on August 7, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 to share stories, food and beverage at Indian Run Golf Course 6359 RS Ave East, Scotts, MI.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Carol’s guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the charity of their choice.

The Howard family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269)344-5600.