Ilene Howard, 84

Ilene Howard “joined her family in heaven” June 13, 2017.

Born in Crane, Montana, Sept. 27, 1932, Ilene spent her early years on the family farm in Sidney. Her family moved to Columbia Falls when she started high school. Following graduation Ilene moved to Helena working as an administrative assistant for the Veterans Administration. Following the death of her husband, Fred Landis, she returned to Columbia Falls working for her brothers at the Coast to Coast store.

She married Jerry Howard from Great Falls in 1970. In 1971 they returned to Columbia Falls where she worked for Flathead Valley Community College in admissions and they owned and operated J & I Truck Wash.

Ilene had a servant’s heart. She and Jerry were very active in the community through the First Baptist Church, Meals on Wheels, the Senior Center, and Special Friends, and for the last 24 years as organizers of Fishing Without Barriers for anglers with disabilities.

Known as a prayer warrior by her family and friends, Ilene’s favorite verses included Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you” and John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Jerry Howard; parents, Frank and Iva Wyman; and siblings, Bob, Wayne, Skip and Rosalie Wyman.

She is survived by her brothers, Dave (Etta) Wyman and Buzz (Linda) Wyman, and sister Carol Grilley. Her children are Jan (Michael) Mader, Jim (Kate) Landis, Frank (Karen) Landis, and Katie Landis. Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Carrie (Jason) Matthews, Kristin (Brian) Brodzinski, Tayettin and Broedynn Brodzinski, Alistair Landis, Kimberly (Trent Oliver) Mader, and Sophie Oliver.

A private family ceremony was held June 17 with internment at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be sent to Fishing Without Barriers; contact John Fraley at Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 490 North Meridian Road Kalispell MT, 406-752-5501.

Austin Funeral Home is caring for the family.