Freida Abigail Howard

Frieda Abigail Howard, 95, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Lutheran Home. She was born December 29, 1920 in Des Arc, Missouri to the late Fred and Ethel Lewis. She was a 1939 graduate of Des Arc High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University. She and Truman John Howard were married April 14, 1943 at the First Presbyterian Church in Cape. He preceded her in death July 30, 1987. Frieda taught school in Des Arc, Missouri until her marriage. During the war she worked as Rosie the riveter at the Consolidated Aircraft Plant in San Diego, California. She and her husband owned and operated the Donut Drive In at 1617 Independence Street in Cape Girardeau for 28 years. She was a 62 year member of Centenary United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and past president of the 14th District. In 2011 she was recognized for her many years of volunteer work at the Missouri Veterans Home and was named volunteer of the year in 1998. Frieda was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was an avid Cardinal baseball fan and enjoyed Redhawk basketball as a season ticket holder. She enjoyed quilting, cross stitching, working word puzzles, and reading. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings. She will be remembered for speaking her mind, and for being gracious and kind to everyone she met. Survivors include a son, Richard Lewis Howard and wife DeAnne of Derby, Kansas; a daughter, Barbara Gail Johnson and husband Norris of Cape Girardeau; four grandsons, Timothy Howard and wife Colleen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Keith Johnson and wife Sara of Leesburg, Virginia, Scott Johnson and wife Claire of San Diego, California; Todd Howard and wife Julie of San Diego, California; nine great-grandchildren, Derek, Caroline, Julia, Zackary Johnson of Leesburg, Virginia; Kayleigh, Ainsley, Rylee Howard of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Owen Johnson and Truman Howard of San Diego, California; brother, Freeman Lewis and wife Alice; a sister-in-law, Florence Lewis all of Cape Girardeau; a brother-in-law, Jerry Howard (the late Shirla) of Dexter; many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank (Irene), Francis (Melva Rose), and Bill Lewis; sister, Leta Bahn (Larry); sister-in-law, Ferne Volkerding (Vernon) all of Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the funeral. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. David Conley officiating. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park. Frieda has been a resident at the Lutheran Home in Cape since December 2012. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all the staff for the compassionate, attentive and loving care provided to her during her residency. Memorial donations may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church.

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Freida Abigail Howard

December 29, 1920 - April 15, 2016