Irene Howard was born on May 23, 1949, in Bay City, Michigan, one of five children in a close-knit, hardworking family. Growing up with her sisters, Edna and Marci, and brothers, James (Jim) and William (Bill), Irene enjoyed a childhood filled with family, neighborhood friendships, and annual camping trips to northern Michigan. Sharing a bedroom with her two sisters throughout high school created lasting memories and family bonds.
After graduating from high school in 1967, Irene attended Cleary Business College. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Howard (Dick), in 1970, beginning a life filled with family, travel, and adventure.
As an Air Force wife for 22 years, Irene lived in various locations across the country and overseas while raising their two children, Lori and Tim. Through the frequent moves and challenges of military life, she was the steady foundation of the family, creating a loving and supportive home wherever they lived. Following the Air Force, they settled in Arnold, California, in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where they spent fourteen years. Irene helped operate their business, managing the office and contributing to its success.
Always interested in nutrition, exercise, and healthy living, she later pursued that passion by managing a fitness center.
In 2008, Irene and Dick returned to Michigan, settling into a log home on a lake. Irene especially enjoyed hosting summer camps for her five grandchildren, creating wonderful memories through swimming, camping, and outdoor activities. She loved sharing her appreciation of nature with the next generation.
Irene also enjoyed traveling, particularly the winters spent exploring Florida in their RV. Whether at home on the lake, camping in the woods, or discovering new places, she embraced an active life and the simple pleasures of being outdoors. One of her favorite questions was, “Who wants to take a walk?” It was a simple invitation that reflected her love of fresh air, activity, and spending time with others.
Above all, Irene was devoted to her family. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and found happiness in the time they spent together. Her love of family, appreciation for nature, and commitment to healthy living were woven throughout her life.
During the final three and a half years of her life, Irene received loving and compassionate care at Ashford Memory Care in Draper UT. Her family is deeply grateful to the dedicated caregivers and staff who provided her with kindness, comfort, and dignity throughout those years.
Irene’s greatest legacy is the family she nurtured and the memories she created. Through the many chapters of her life, she met change with quiet strength, made every place feel like home, and found her greatest happiness in those she loved. The traditions she began, the values she shared, and the love she gave so freely will continue through her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the lives she helped shape.
Irene is survived by her husband, Dick Howard; her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Dan Brown, and their four children, Hannah Brown, Nolan Brown, Joshua Brown, and Claire Brown; her son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Kris Howard, and their son, Matthew Howard; and her sisters, Edna and Marci, and brothers, James (Jim) and William (Bill).
She was preceded in death by her parents, William (Ruel) and Rose Middleton of Bay City, Michigan.
A family viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct 25th at 5:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah).
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (4351 Parnell Ave. NE, Ada, Michigan), followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment and reception to follow.