Janice A. B. Howell

JANICE A.B. HOWELL, age 83,

Of New Bremen, died on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 5:05 P.M. at the Joint Twp. Dist. Memorial Hospital in St. Marys. She was born on May 7, 1941 in New Bremen, the daughter of the late Howard E. and Lorma M.I. (Fricke) Wiehe. On May 23, 1959 she married Donald E. Howell, and together they shared 62 years of love and devotion before his death on December 7, 2021. Surviving are her children: Carol (Mike) Swackhamer of New Bremen, Jenine (Terry) Humphries of St. Marys, Rick (Julie) Howell of Botkins, Mark (Teresa) Howell of Wapakoneta, Scott Howell of New Bremen, and Kay Makley of St. Marys. Also left to cherish her memory are her 17 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and her sister Marlene Ahlers of New Bremen. Along with her parents and husband, Janice was preceded in death by an infant son Bobby Donald Howell, a daughter in-law Brenda Howell, a grandson Andy Makley, and a great-granddaughter Alivia Fraley.

Janice attended New Bremen High School, was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen. Janice met Don at a teen dance at the fairgrounds; the two fell in love, and spent the rest of their lives dancing together. They took their family on many camping adventures over the years which created many funny stories and cherished memories. She and Don also enjoyed playing cards and were a part of a card club, but Janice especially loved playing with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching her sons race their cars at the drag strip or participate in a demolition derby. Janice also looked forward to the daily golf cart rides around town with Don and their dogs. Janice and Don were members of Buckeye Farm Antiques and Farm Power of the Past where she had served as the treasurer. She had worked as an Avon saleswoman for thirty years around the area and cherished the relationships she had with each client. Janice loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and knew all of the family tree, sharing that knowledge through pictures and stories. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, with Rev. David Voll officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen. Calling Hours will take place AT THE CHURCH prior to the services on Wednesday, from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in memory of Janice can be made to Grand Lake Hospice (1122 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, Ohio 45885), St. Paul Church (P.O. Box 6, New Bremen, Ohio 45869) or the New Bremen Emergency Squad (214 N. Washington Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869). Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the family with arrangements, and condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.