Arleta W. Howell, 87

Arleta W. Howell, 87, of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 in Sandpoint.  

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Coffelt's Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Brian Noble, officiating

Arleta was born Nov. 19, 1921, to Gus A. Rieschick and Edna Henderson Rieschick in Beloit, Kan. She married Coyne Sequoyah Howell in 1940 and they started their family. In 1953 they moved to Sandpoint and raised their children.

She worked as a nurse's aide at Sandpoint Manor Nursing Home, the present Valley Vista Care Center, earning her certified nursing assistant's license. She then moved on to clean house for several prominent families in the area, later working for Bonner General Hospital, cleaning the lab for Bill Crouse.

Arleta always referred to the people in the lab as her kids. There are several generations of people in the area who considered her mom, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all.

Arleta was a former member of the Sandpoint Eagles Lodge Auxiliary. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and participating in family activities. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved to dance and play the organ.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; a brother, Coyne S. Howell; and a son, Dwight David Howell.

She leaves behind Connie Ridley of Sandpoint; Sandra (George) VanRossum of Trestle Creek, Roy Gene Howell of Sandpoint, and Calvin T. Howell of Sandpoint; grandchildren, Lecia (Rodney) Rex, Marcia (Tom Hornby), Tracy, Misty, Rachael, David, Justin, Dellonna; and great-grandchildren, Aleta, McKayla, Jordan, Shane, Corria, Bailey, Cody, Hunter.

The whole family sends a special thank you to the many people who helped care for our mother, our best friend.

Family and friends are invited to sign Arleta's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.