Janet Lee (Smith) Howell

Janet Lee (Smith) Howell, 89, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024 at the Lafayette Pointe Nursing Home in West Lafayette, Ohio.

She was born on February 24, 1935 in Warsaw, Ohio, a daughter to the late Russell D. Smith and Helen M. (Roahrig) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Harold R. Howell, whom she married on October 28, 1950, as well as an infant boy in 1957 and her brother, Russell E. (Ed) Smith in 2014.

Janet is survived by her children, Rhonda L. Howell of Akron, Kurtis R. Howell of Columbus, Kent E. and Shelley (Robinson) Howell of West Lafayette; grandson, Kristopher E. Howell and his wife Lindsay (Mason) Howell; along with great-granddaughters, Paisyn R. Howell, Hadley M. Howell and Spencer M. Howell all of Newcomerstown, Ohio. She is also survived by numerous cousins, mainly in the Plainfield area.

A 1953 graduate of West Lafayette High School, she was in the top of her class. One of the many highlights of her high school years was being selected as the West Lafayette Village’s Centennial Homecoming Queen in 1950 which was visited by many dignitaries.

She was an attendant of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. Also, a member of the Order of Eastern Star 342 West Lafayette and the Coshocton County Republican Womens Club, where she often modeled during their charitable fashion shows.

And in her spare time when she wasn’t raising her three children and being a fabulous cook, she taught swimming lessons for 10 years, served as an election poll worker and later Chief Judge for the Coshocton County Board of Elections for 40 years.

Janet was known for her fashion and hats, decorating, flowers, and a love of cats, donating to the Humane Society. Harold and she were often seen riding around town in their red Caddy taking rides and dining out at their favorite restaurants English Ivy, Thomas’s Steakhouse, Raven’s Glenn and Buehler’s.

Private graveside services will be held at Fairfield Cemetery in West Lafayette with the funeral arrangements provided by Addy Funeral Home of Newcomerstown. Memorial contributions can be made to the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, 120 West Union Avenue, West Lafayette, Oh 43845

And the Howell family would like to thank the entire Lafayette Pointe staff for their excellent care and love for our Mother these past six years. She will be missed dearly.

Category: Obituaries