Lela Frances (Ferrell) Howard

Lela Frances Howard, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, the 10th day of January 2023.  She was 84  years of age when the Lord called her home to Heaven.  Mrs. Howard was born in Jayton, Texas, on the 25th day of January 1938, to parents L.B. Ferrell and Ruth Ell Jerden Ferrell.

Mrs. Howard was a tough and strong-willed individual who overcame many obstacles throughout her life.  She developed a brain tumor at a young age, but overcame it, and never missed a beat. She had an intense love for her family and a strong marriage to her best friend and love of her life, Jerry Howard.  The two were married for 32 years and expressed sincere love to each other every day before his passing in 2014. 

Mrs. Howard worked as a bookkeeper for Meals on Wheels, a job she loved, for over 20 years.  She enjoyed making jewelry and creating arts and crafts.  She was an excellent cook and she also loved to bake.  Mrs. Howard also enjoyed eating Cheetos and snacking on gummy bears.  She was an inspiration to her family and friends and will be dearly missed.  

Mrs. Howard is preceded in death by her parents, L.B. and Ruth Ferrell; husband, Jerry G. Howard; and her son-in-law, John Ansley.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Katherine R. Ansley; grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Ansley and Justin Kalebe Ansley and wife Amanda Paige.  Mrs. Howard also leaves behind her beloved great-grandson, L.B. James Ansley, several other family members, and many friends.

Funeral services to honor Mrs. Howard’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, the 15th day of January 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel, officiated by Ben Rhone. Interment will follow in Land of Memory Cemetery in Palestine, Texas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Justin Ansley, Tylan Tew, Dakota Lewis, Matthew Autrand, Todd Mason, and Jacob Beckham.

Funeral services for Lela Frances Howard are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

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