Zella Howes

Long time Ithaca resident, Zella Howes, age 102, went to her final Rest at her home in Ithaca on February 24, 2016.

Zella was born in Hamilton Township to Ellis and Mabel (Greer) Flegel in 1913.  She married William Henry (Bill) Howes Sr.  in October of 1932 and together they raised 7 children and lived continually in Ithaca.  She toiled as a homemaker for years and eventually went into the restaurant buisiness, owning Bill's Recreation from the early 60's to the late 70's.  She was well-known for her home cooking and people would come from far and wide for a piece of her pies.

She was exceptionally close to her 7 brothers and 1 sister, and was fond of visiting the Brick Alley Pub to enjoy conversation, a cheeseburger and beer with her brother, Nyal and any other family members who'd be willing to join in.  She lived to ride her snowmobile, often taking over an hour just to put the thing back in the shed after unloading it from the trailer.

In Zella's mind there was nothing better than dancing to a polka and always looked forward to the grandchildren getting married and the reception that followed. She was an adventurous  mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother and will be missed by friends and family alike.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1986, as well as 3 children, George Howes, Ann Hamp, Bill Howes Jr, son-in-law Dave Hoffman, and granddaughter Deana Howes Muto.

She is survived by 2 son's and 2 daughter's.  Roger (Joan)Howes of Ashley, Karolyn Hoffman of Mt. Pleasant,  Stan Howes of Ithaca and Kathy(Tom)Kanitz of Circleville, Ohio and 2 brothers, Donald (Catherine) Flegel of Brant and Phillip(Nancy)Flegel of Elsie as well as sister's-in-law Jeanne Flegel, Sandra Flegel and Carol Lynn Flegel.   She also leaves behind 25 grandchildren,  45 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca on February 29 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday February 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to the Ithaca Commission on Aging, 515 S. Pine River, Ithaca, Michigan, Gratiot County.