This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: HOWARD, LOUDEN, VANAVERY, WARN, BOTTENFIELD, GLEASON, DIMMICK Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22870/mb.ashx Message Board Post: HOWARD, Elaine Jeanette Of Portage Died May 30, 2008 at Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born February 9, 1921 in Kalamazoo, to the late Roy and Edna (Louden) Van Avery. Elaine was united in marriage to Edwin J. Howard on August 16, 1940, who preceded her in death in March of 1982. Elaine was a lifelong resident of Portage and in her neighborhood, was affectionately known as "Ma Howard". She loved to sew and as a result, each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren received grandma-made Raggedy Ann's and Raggedy Andy's. Surviving Elaine are her children, William J. (Vicky Frost) Howard of Gobles, MI, Robert L. (Judy) Howard of Appleton, WI, Patricia A. Warn of Portage, Lynnette M. (Michael) Bottenfield of Byron Center, MI, Ron E. (Marcia) Howard of Otsego and John J. (Linda) Howard of Battle Creek; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, aunts and friends; sisters, Marion (William) Gleason and Janet (Robert) Dimmick; brother, Clyde (Cora) Van Avery; and sister-in-law, Gertrud! e Van Avery. Preceding her in death were, sisters, Margaret and Eleanor and; brothers, Claire and Don; son-in-law, Gary Warn. Visitation will be Thursday the 5th of June, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave., Portage. Funeral services will be held Friday the 6th at 11 AM at the Portage Chapel. Pastor James Sunnock will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. The family suggests that any memorials be directed to the American Lung Association. www.langelands.com. 269-343-1508 Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 6/3/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.