BETTIE LOU BOERSMA HOWARD

JANUARY 14, 1922--OCTOBER 9, 2012

Bettie Lou Boersma Howard went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday October 9 with all of her loved ones around her. She was 90 years and 9 months old; born to Benjamin H. Boersma and Hazel E. Shaw Boersma on Jan. 14, 1922 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her family moved to Panama City, FL in 1951, and it has been home ever since.
Mrs. Howard was preceded in death by her husband, Wilburn Thomas Howard, one son, James Thomas Howard, two daughters, Sharon Lee Murphy and Joan Howard Orman, and her parents Benjamin and Hazel Boersma. All of her following brothers and sisters preceded her in death: Harold Boersma, Raymond Boersma, Alfred Boersma, Robert Boersma, Roy Boersma, Bernice Boersma Bushnell, Lucille Boersma Fenker, and Barbara Boersma Bowerman. She is survived by her daughters, Janice K. Roberts (William), Nancy F. Ruthven (Michael), Pat H. Bamond (John) and son, Wilburn D. (Rick) Howard (Donna). Her world revolved around her grandchildren: Lori H. Slattery (Todd), Jennifer Howard (Ezra), Kyle-Evon Howard (Leanna), Cynthia V. Danner, Katherine D. Robles, Michael J. Murphy (Shelia), Kathy M. Hershey, William S. Roberts (Thelma), Angela R. Tucker (John), Brenda R. Taylor (Andrew), Nancy R. Garcia (Zach) and Melanie R. Ellis (Bruce); as well as 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Bettie is a member of the First United Methodist Church where she loved her Sunday School Class, the Wesley Bible Class. Also, she was a 54 year member of the Laureate Alpha Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.
Mrs. Howard was a retired LPN. She loved nursing as a profession, but loved caring for people in general. Peace-maker was used often when referring to Bettie. She never angered and was loved by all. Throughout her life she enjoyed many sports, activities and travel. She played softball, golf, raced cars and traveled as often as possible. In recent years, she enjoyed camping and boating with her family. Her ultimate vacation was her visit to England and Scotland in August of 2011.
The family would like to thank all of their friends for their special love, support and food during Bettie's illness. Also, they want to give a great big thank you for the special care given to her over the past five years by her son-in-law, Michael Ruthven.
The family will receive friends at Mrs. Howard's daughter and son-in-law's home, Mike and Nancy Ruthven, 1204 Tyndall Drive. Also, there will be a visitation this Thursday, October 11 from 6 till 8 at Wilson's Funeral Home, followed by the funeral Friday October 12 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church of Panama City, Fl with the Rev. Steve Rascoe, Rev. Ruddy Olivo, and Rev. Michael Murphy conducting the service.
Asked to serve as honorary pallbearers are the members of her Sunday school Class, the Wesley Bible Class and members of the Laureate Alpha Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Active pallbearers are Wyatt Brown, Jerry Hall, Jim Karlo, Bobby Johnson, Don Rice and Tommy St.Amant.

Wilson Funeral Home