Mary Rachel (Gordon) Howard, of Anderson, left earth for eternal glory on March 18, 2017 at 94.
Born January 22, 1923 to Nellie (Hilts) and Calmer Gordon in Springfield, OH,
Moved to Anderson, IN at age 3 and attended Anderson Public schools.
Moved to Emporia in her senior year and graduated from Markleville High School in 1941 then graduated from Anderson Business College.
She married Charles Merriman Howard, November 6, 1943 in McCook, NE where Charles was stationed.
The Howards raised their family in Anderson. Upon retirement, they split their time between their farm in Jennings County, IN and Ft. Myers, FL, returning to Anderson in 2002.
Mary Rachel was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church where she was actively involved in Women's ministries, served on boards, in choir, as a teacher with Sunday School, youth and girl's Guild. She was employed by Delco Remy and Sears Roebuck.
Mary Rachel was a member of a women's Guild, Love One Another (LOA) which formed during Jr. high and continues still. She was an author, artist and accomplished seamstress.
Mary Rachel is survived by children; Rev. Joyce Gaunt of Anderson, Nancy (Larry) Bond of Middletown, Tom (Valli) Howard of Nampa, Idaho, and Margie Howard, Kitty Griffith of Indianapolis nine grandchildren; Julie Johnston, Anderson, Todd Gaunt , Michigan, Andy Gaunt, Indianapolis, Lori Cross, New Washington; Ben Bond, Elwood; Susan Robarge, Seattle, WA; John Howard, Great Britain; and Jennifer Keidel, Seattle, WA; sister, Barbara "Bobbie" Dobbs of Florida; 28 great grandchildren and ten great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Marvin Gordon; husband Charles Merriman Howard; grandson, Charles Bond, great grandson, Samuel Johnston and Great granddaughter, Amelia Howard.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Anderson. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service is handling the service arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.