Frieda Howard

Frieda Abigail Howard, 95, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, April 15, 2016, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born Dec. 29, 1920, in Des Arc, Missouri, to the late Fred and Ethel Lewis.

She was a 1939 graduate of Des Arc High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

She and Truman John Howard were married April 14, 1943, at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death July 30, 1987.

Frieda taught school in Des Arc until her marriage. During World War II, she worked as "Rosie the riveter" at the Consolidated Aircraft Plant in San Diego. She and her husband owned and operated the Donut Drive In at 1617 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau for 28 years.

She was a 62-year member of Centenary United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and past president of the 14th District. In 2011, she was recognized for her many years of volunteer work at the Missouri Veterans Home and was named volunteer of the year in 1998.

Frieda was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an avid Cardinal baseball fan and enjoyed Redhawk basketball as a season ticketholder. She enjoyed quilting, cross stitching, working word puzzles and reading. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings. She will be remembered for speaking her mind and for being gracious and kind to everyone she met.

Survivors include a son, Richard Lewis (DeAnne) Howard of Derby, Kansas; a daughter, Barbara Gail (Norris) Johnson of Cape Girardeau; four grandsons, Timothy (Colleen) Howard of Philadelphia, Keith (Sara) Johnson of Leesburg, Virginia, and Scott (Claire) Johnson and Todd (Julie) Howard, both of San Diego; nine great-grandchildren, Derek, Caroline, Julia and Zackary Johnson of Leesburg, Kayleigh, Ainsley and Rylee Howard of Philadelphia and Owen Johnson and Truman Howard of San Diego; a brother, Freeman (Alice) Lewis, and a sister-in-law, Florence Lewis, both of Cape Girardeau; a brother-in-law, Jerry (the late Shirla) Howard of Dexter, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank (Irene), Francis (Melva Rose) and Bill Lewis; a sister, Leta Bahn (Larry); and a sister-in-law, Ferne (Vernon) Volkerding, all of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the funeral.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Conley officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.