Frances Maxine Howe

     Frances Maxine Howe, 92 of Abilene went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 7 at Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

     Visitation will be on Monday, June 11, at Elmwood West United Methodist Church at 1302 So. Pioneer Drive at 9:00AM followed by the funeral service at 10:00AM with Rev. Dare Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.

     Frances was born in Moran, Texas to Herman and Maudy May Garlitz on September 7, 1925. She attended school in Moran, Texas and graduated from Moran High School. She went on to graduate from Hendrick School of Nursing. She later worked a few years as an RN at Hendrick Medical Center. She married Ray Howe on Sept.14, 1951 in Abilene, Texas. Theirs was a match made in heaven with 66 wonderful years of love and happiness. Frances was the heart of the home, bringing love, laughter, strength, and beauty to her family as she cared for them so tenderly. Frances served on the board of Fairmont United Methodist Church/ Southwest Drive United Methodist Church and was very active in the United Methodist Women's organization there. She also served as telephone shepherd, caring for her beloved church congregation. She sang in her church choir and always made sure there was music in the home. She was a member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church.

    Frances was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray in February of this year; four brothers, Clarence, Otto, Eugene and Homer; and three sisters, Viola, Hazel and Willie.

     She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Ken Foster of Sweetwater, Texas and Linda and Phil Colwell of Abilene, Texas; two sisters, Louise Shelton of Albany, Texas and Dorothy Anderson of Ranger, Texas; a brother-in-law, M.E. Randolph of Abilene, Texas; three grandchildren, Misty (Richie) Griffin of Carrizo Springs, Texas, Jody (Lisa) Jenkins of Lubbock, Texas, and Candace (Jerad) Alford of Roscoe, Texas; four great grandchildren, Garrison, Mason, Jack, and Kennedy; and beloved nieces and nephews. 

     Pallbearers are Herman Garlitz, Scott Parsons, Larry Shelton, Larry Howe, and Dewayne Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers are Edwin Parsons, Don Ballard, Rev. Norman Patton, Jerry Burrow, and Gregory Peck.

     Memorials may be given to Elmwood West United Methodist Church, Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice. 

     The family wishes to thank Sylvia Emerson, her caregiver; Diamond Creek In Home Care; Encompass therapists and nurses; and Hendrick Hospice Care for their loving care at the close of her life.