Betty Jane Howe, age 88, died Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at Rolling Fields Nursing Home, Conneautville, PA following a short illness. A resident of Cambridge Springs for 56 years, she had made her home with a daughter, Margaret Smarr in Crestview, KY for five years before returning to this area in February, 2007. Born on April 16, 1920 in Rockdale Township, Crawford County, PA, she was a daughter of the late Charles Bidwell and Blanche Mae Finney Bidwell. She married Floyd Howe on April 21, 1941 and he preceded her in death on January 30, 2003.
A home maker, Betty operated a small business in her home named the “Sewing Basket” merchandising materials used in making wearing apparel from 1974 until 1991. She was an affiliate member of the Millers Station United Methodist Church and was a former member of Order of Eastern Star, Cambridge Springs Chapter #114 in Cambridge Springs. Betty loved to sew and do quilting and particularly enjoyed golf. Her family was important to her and she fondly cared for each of them.
Family members surviving Betty include two daughters – Margaret Blanche Smarr of Crestview, KY; Betty Jane (Dean) Birchard and her husband, Lt.Col USAF Carl Birchard of Manassas, VA; a son – Thomas Allan Howe of Crownesville, MD; four grandchildren – Scott Noonan and his wife, Katrina; Lt.Col. USAF Ann Birchard and her husband, Cmdr USN Randall Johnson; Christopher Birchard and his wife, Rita; and Kelli Miller and her husband, Andy. In addition, three great granchildren – Coston Noonan, Aaron Miller, and Peter Rex Birchard; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were three brothers – Robert, John, and Charles Raymond Bidwell; and four sisters – Florence Peters, Evelyn Schryver, Ruth Shimell, and Marian Dundon.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at which time a funeral service will be held with Rev. Jeff Wilson, pastor of Christ Evangelical Free Church, Saegertown officiating. Private interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335
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