Betty (Amy) Howard

Betty Howard of Miniota, MB, passed away peacefully at the Elkwood Manor Personal Care Home, Elkhorn, MB on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 90 years of age.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her special companion Ted Morton and his family; children Terry Howard, Cindy Howard (Mike Shewchuk), Ross (Crystal) Howard; sister Pat Bray; brother Neil Amy (Pat Lucas); grandchildren Jeanine (Jordan) Schaan, Jason (Joanna) Howard, Tyler (Megan) Howard, Whitney (Evan) Cottingham, Jordan (Cassidy) Howard; great grandchildren Elijah, Elliana, and Dawson Schaan, Raiya Howard, Austin, Beau, and Charlie Cottingham, Tori and Kirby Howard; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Russell Howard; daughter-in-law Anna Howard; parents Roy and Dorothy Amy; brother Bud Amy; sister Marlene Willis; sisters-in-law Denise Amy and Heather Amy; and brother-in-law George Willis.

Betty was the oldest child of Roy and Dorothy Amy of Crandall, MB, born Sept. 22, 1933 in Hamiota. She completed Grades 1 to 11 at Crandall School travelling to Hamiota Collegiate for Grade 12.  During her school years Betty was an active member of the Chumah United Church, as well as the 4-H Sewing Club, and she enjoyed skating and playing fastball. After graduating, Betty was off to Winnipeg Normal School and received her Teacher's Certificate.  One of her fondest memories was teaching Grades 3 to 5 classes at Lenore School for two years, as well as becoming a C.G.I.T. Leader and a member of the Curling Club.

On Oct. 16, 1954, Betty and Russell Howard were married at the Crandall United Church. Russell was the only son of Whitfield and Elizabeth Howard of Miniota, MB.  In 1954, Russell's parents retired to live in Brandon leaving the farm to the management of Russell and Betty.  Three children were born to this union:  Terry in 1957, Cindy in 1960, and Ross in 1964.

Betty and Russell participated in many community activities and were members of Miniota Anglican Church.  Betty taught Sunday School and was a member of the ACW and the W.I. for several years.  She was a regular curler and golfer, and her hobbies included gardening, sewing, knitting/crocheting and baking.  Betty played a central role in the family’s farm life and her wisdom and advice were invaluable.  With everyone married and away from home, Russell and Betty continued farming and additionally they spent several winters in the Southern US.  In 1997 they built their retirement home in Miniota; their son Ross and family then moved home to take over the Howard family farm.  On Nov. 11, 2000, Russell passed away.

Betty continued to stay active in the Miniota community and in 2006, a special companion came into Betty’s life.  Ted Morton and Betty enjoyed spending their time together at various community activities and sharing family and friend gatherings.  Betty volunteered much of her time at the Miniota Golf Course and acted as Golf Club secretary for 8 years.  In 2016, Betty and her late husband Russell were presented with the Bill Clark Volunteer Award.  Some of her fondest memories included spending time with her 5 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.  She continued to enjoy living in her home in Miniota until Feb 2023 at the age of 89.  In Sept 2023, Betty’s family celebrated her 90th Birthday, a significant milestone that her family is very grateful for. 

Betty always greeted people with her warm and friendly smile.  Her life was marked by love, devotion, and the joy she brought to those around her.  Betty will be deeply missed by her family and the community she touched.

A service to celebrate her life was held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Miniota, MB on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2:00pm.

Interment took place at the Arrow River Cemetery.

A reception followed at the Miniota Community Centre.

For those so desiring, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Memorial Fund, Box 131, Miniota, MB, R0M 1M0 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 100-119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6.

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