Barbara Ruth Howard

Funeral services for Barbara Ruth Howard will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at the Crossway First Baptist Church in Sulphur with Pastor Bill Leveridge officiating. Interment will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur.

Barbara was born December 9, 1941, in Sulphur to the late Leonard and Audine (Mize) Nelson. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Sulphur at the age of 80 years and 14 days. Barbara and Bobby Dean “Bob” Howard were married on July 31, 1959, in Sulphur. From this union were born three sons, Kenny, Robbie, and Marlon.

Barbara grew up in Sulphur, graduating from Sulphur High School, Class of 1959. She later attended Murray State College, earning an Associate Degree. Barbara spent many years working at the Sulphur Veteran’s Center where she eventually retired as Medical Records Director.

Barbara’s creativity was evidenced in her passion for arts and crafts. She also enjoyed gardening and caring for her beloved dogs. She loved traveling, reading, and shopping. She was a longtime devoted member of the Crossway First Baptist Church of Sulphur, where in prior years, she taught Sunday school classes and sang in the SASO Choir.

Survivors include her husband, Bob Howard; three sons, Kenny Howard and wife, Shawn of Ada, Robbie Howard and wife, Michelle of Sulphur, and Marlon Howard and wife, Lacrinda, also of Sulphur; eight grandchildren, Hialee Howard, Dackry Howard and Lacey, B.J. Howard, Randi Wilkins, Dylon Howard and Kimber, Bryson Howard and Brittney, Whitney Blevins and Tyson, and Taylor Beatley and Coby; 10 great-grandchildren, Hudson Howard, Bella Wilkins, Grayson Howard, Brandt Beatley, Callum Howard, Newt Wilkins, Hannah Howard, Murphi Howard, Hope Howard, and Mayzee Howard; as well as two sisters, Patsy Trout and husband Ted, and Shirley Nelson, and nieces and nephews.

Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.