Janice E. Erne Howell, 77

Janice E. Erne Howell passed away at her home in Whitefish on March 1, 2009, from complications of COPD.

Jan was born Dec. 10, 1931, in Port Clinton, Ohio, to Carl and Elizabeth Erne. She was raised on Kelly's Island, Ohio.

Jan came to Montana in 1964 and moved to the Flathead in 1967. She was a hard worker and worked at several places in the county.

Jan was well known for her china painting and gem collecting.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Amanda and Betty; brothers, Charlie and Joe; and granddaughters, Angel and Bambi.

Jan is survived by her husband, Topper, at the family home; daughter, Gloria, of Ohio; son, Dale Edward, of Georgia; stepsons, JC Plummer of Whitefish, Tony Howell of Columbia Falls, Carl Howell of Kalispell, and Robert Howell of Oregon; and stepdaughter, Robin Hintz, of Missoula. Also surviving Jan is her favorite niece, Marie Smoot and family, of Ohio; best friend, Judy Halsey, of Whitefish; numerous grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

There will be a potluck to celebrate Jan's life at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at the Golden Agers Community Center in Whitefish.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of the arrangements.