Rosemarie Howard 1930-2026
NEWTON FALLS — Rosemarie “Rose” Howard, 95, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House in Poland.
She was born Dec. 27, 1930, in Warren, the daughter of the late Ulrich Church and Lydia Burkholder. Rose married the love of her life, William Franklin Howard on April 9, 1949, and they enjoyed 66 years of wonderful marriage together until his death on June 2, 2015.
Rose worked as a school bus driver for Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools for 15 years, from September 1973 to April 1988, and was a longtime member of Newton Falls First Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Timothy Howard; her brother, Walter Church; and her sister, Margaret Mangrum.
Rose was a talented cook and baker who showed her love through her food. A strong competitor, she enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and bowling with friends and family, and never missed an opportunity to go shopping. She had a passion for nature and loved spending time gardening, fishing and walking through the woods, which inspired her to write many poems and songs. Rose especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. A gifted storyteller, she had a sharp memory and could recount many nursery rhymes and fairytales in stark detail. Her vivacity, good humor, strong spirit and delicious pies will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Rose is survived by her three sons, Ronald and Dee Howard of Newton Falls, Eddy and Patty Howard of New Port Richey, Florida, and Mark and Ivonne Howard of Tarpon Springs, Florida; one daughter-in-law, Cathy Howard of Lordstown; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Newton Falls First Church of God, with Pastor Jennifer Dorn and the Rev. Eddy Howard officiating. Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon.
She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Newton Falls Cemetery.
The family has requested that all donations please be made to First Church of God, 426 W. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, in her memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330- 872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
(special notice)