- Date Of Birth: February 14, 1917
- Date Of Death: March 17, 2012
- State: Idaho
Margaret E. Howard, 95, passed away on Sat. March 17, 2012 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, after a brief illness. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 14, 1917, a date she always enjoyed. We, her family, have noted she passed away on another favorite date, St. Patrick’s Day.
She spent her first 18 years in Quinter, Kansas, raised by loving parents, Harvey and Josephine Ikenberry. She was joined by 2 siblings, a brother who died young, and a sister, Louise. She enjoyed the small town life of western Kansas, where everyone knew each other and you were related to most. She was active in school events and athletics, especially basketball. She graduated from Quinter High School in 1935, to return many times, including for her 70th class reunion.
The summer of 1935, the family moved to Boise, Idaho. She worked at a photography shop behind the Egyptian theatre on Capitol Blvd., and at the Mode Tea Room while she attended Boise Junior College. She graduated in 1939.
Margaret married Emory Howard on June 1, 1941 in Boise. Although separated briefly during WWII, Mom followed Dad as he taught high school in Nampa, and Weiser. Two daughters, Janet and Jenell were born before they moved to Boise in 1950, when Emory took a job with the State of Idaho.
Their real adventures started when Emory joined the Near East Foundation and they moved to Accra, Ghana in January, 1958. Mom was the perfect partner for Dad; not many would have moved to Africa with 2 young girls. What started out as one job led to a lifelong career. Dad joined USAID and until they retired in 1979, they lived in Amman, Jordan; Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan; Saigon, Vietnam; and Dacca, Bangladesh.
Dad’s work required a lot of entertaining, so once again Mom was the perfect partner. She was social by nature, and loved to have company; she made an attractive home wherever they lived and was a tremendous cook. In different countries, she frequently shopped the local markets, and incorporated the artistry and utensils of the local culture into the decor of their home. Her lock collection from around the world is fascinating.
The retirement years were as fun as the work ones. They went around the world again at age 74.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Emory, of Boise, daughter Janet Isaacson and husband Ike of Nampa, and daughter Jenell McGee of Bogalusa, Louisiana; by granddaughter Melia Goodwin and husband Ryan of Renton, Washington, and grandson Sean McGee of Seattle. She is also survived by her sister Louise Wentworth and husband Wilbur of Boise, and her brother-in-law Dr. Quentin Howard and wife Phyllis, of Boise, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and young brother; by sister-in-law Francis Horn and Lloyd, by brothers-in-law Walter Howard and Iva, Bob Howard and Virla, Harry Howard, Glenn Howard and LaVon, and sister-in-law Margie Howard.
Mom was proud to reach the milestones of their 70th wedding anniversary last June and her 95th birthday in February. Life was made sweeter by the staff at The Villas at Riverplace in Boise where they have resided the last 3 1/2 years. We especially want to thank Dr. Steven Spencer and the staff at Selah Medical for many years of care, plus St. Alphonsus Hospital and Harrison’s Hope Hospice. Their expertise and kindness will be forever appreciated in Mom’s last days of life. It is impossible to thank enough, care giver Matilda Roman, for her love and kindness to our parents the last 1 ½ years.
Your browser does not support this video format. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer.
