Irma A. (Lindenfelser) Howard

Irma A. Howard, 90, passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at her home in Battle Creek surrounded by loved ones following a short illness. She was born on Friday, April 13, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio to Arthur F. and Anna K. Lindenfelser, both immigrants from Germany. The family moved to Battle Creek in the early 1930's when her father got a job at the Kellogg Company. They purchased a farm in Pennfield Twp., where she was raised and attended school as a farmer's daughter. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and sense of community and family that stayed with her the rest of her life.

Following her graduation from Battle Creek Central H.S. in 1945, Irma worked for 47 years in various secretarial positions at Security Bank Trust Department, Michigan Carton Company, Vandervoort McFee Law firm, and Rock Ten Paper. She retired in 1992 to enjoy life, family, and travel with her late husband Gordon L. Howard who passed away in 2008.

Irma was dipped in God's love and stained with a beautiful kindness that was apparent from the moment one met her. Her life was anchored by God and her family who she loved so dearly. Much of her time was spent at St. Thomas Episcopal Church where she was a member for over 70 years and volunteered and participated extensively up until her death. She was well loved and respected by her fellow congregants and would help anyone in any way she could.

Irma is survived by her sister, Elfrieda M. Duryee of Leesburg, FL; daughter, Anna M. Eason (Tom) of Leesburg, FL and Birmingham, AL; son, Roger W. Knapp (Cheryl) of Battle Creek, and her beloved grandchildren, Gordon Eason (Laura), Jessica Eason-Epstein (Seth), Colin Knapp, and Connor Knapp; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service to celebrate Irma's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2nd at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek where her ashes will be interred. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, she requested gifts be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 16 E. Van Buren St., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Irma may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.