Mary “Jean” Palin Howard, 96, of Newtown passed away at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Bickford Memory Care of Crawfordsville.
Jean was born in Newtown, April 28, 1928, along with her twin brother Jack, to the late Carl Harmon and Leah Ann Haas Palin. Her mother passed away just two weeks after their birth and she and brother Jack were raised by her Aunt Ozark Palin. She married William “Bill” Howard in the Newtown Methodist Church on Aug. 21, 1949. He preceded her in death in November 1989.
Jean was a graduate of Richland Township High School and had remained a life resident of Newtown. She was a member of the former Newtown Methodist Church, now Newtown Community Church a member of the CWF and active until her health failed.
The Howards had a “get a way” lake house on Raccoon Lake for over 35 years where the family spent their summers, boating, waterskiing and enjoyed their lake friends. At age 70, Jean slalom waterskied for the last time. Jean had a quick wit, was lively, spunky and an ever present smile. She loved to be barefoot!
Surviving are daughters, Linda (Mike) Alward of Kingman, Cindy (Ed) Bayne of Crawfordsville and Kimberly (Kenny) Smith of Darlington; son Craig (Sang Mi) Howard of Crawfordsville; grandchildren, Jesse, Zach, Billy, Cass, Leah, Mary, Colin, Jacki, Haley, Matt, Hannah and Billy Lee; and 12 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt who raised her; husband Bill; twin brother Jack Palin; brother Harmond Palin; sister Susan King; and granddaughter Jennah Smith.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 24, with funeral services following at noon, with Pastor Don Watson officiating at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Graveside services and burial will follow in Newtown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Newtown Community Church.
Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
