Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 7/13/2005

Obituary: Ralph F. Howland

April 21, 1919 -- July 10, 2005

Ralph F. Howland, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday morning, July 10, 2005, in Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center of South Bend.

Ralph was born April 21, 1919, in Mishawaka, a son of the late Ralph "Spot" and Henrietta (Bickel) Howland. He grew up in Mishawaka and on July 3, 1941, he married Mary A. Hunt. The couple lived in Mishawaka until moving to Elkhart in the early 1950s at which time they purchased a Dixie Creme Donut Shop. They ran the business until 1970.

Ralph and Mary then traveled in the eastern part of the United States for two years, performing as Martin Stevens Puppeteers. They returned to Elkhart in 1972 where they both became bus drivers for the Elkhart Community Schools until retiring in 1985. Mishawaka then became their home again with winters being spent in Naples, Florida.

Ralph was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka and a former member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Elkhart. He was a former member of the Eagles and Moose Lodges. Ralph enjoyed golfing, and after retirement he took up oil painting.

Ralph's surviving family includes his wife of 64 years, Mary; a son, Phillip R. Howland of Elkhart; a daughter, Barbara A. (Jerry) Britton of Elkhart; a sister, Agnes J. Anderson of Montana; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his brother, Bernard, who was killed in World War II, a grandson and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may spend time with Ralph's family on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third St., Mishawaka. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Cremation will follow with burial at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Stroke Association. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.