Obituary of Debra Ann Howell

Debra A. Howell KINGSVILLE – Debra Ann Howell, 58, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018 after a courageous battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Debbie is the daughter of Thomas and Loretta (Barnes) Baughman and was born on February 13, 1960 in Ashtabula, Ohio. A graduate of Edgewood High School and Kent State University Ashtabula, earning her RN degree. Debbie was employed as a Registered Nurse with ACMC, University Hospital Geneva, Regional Home Health, and with Shands of Lake City during the four years she and Jim lived in Florida. Debbie's devotion to nursing showed in everything she did. The care of her patients, her attention to detail, and her kind and caring ways made her so very special. Debbie and Jim Howell married on October 2, 1979; their thirty-eight years of marriage was one of mutual love and respect with large amounts of laughter sprinkled around. Debbie was a woman of many interests and hobbies; she was the consummate photographer, her attention to detail made her pictures a work of art. On her travels with Jim she would enjoy the scenery and watch for perfect picture taking opportunities. She loved nature and all that it encompassed. Being born so close to Lake Erie made Debbie appreciate the water and wherever she lived she was always close by the water, whether it was the ocean, lake or pond Debbie was not far away. She was a good cook and welcomed people into her home with open arms and a big smile. Her sense of humor was unique and always appreciated. Debbie will be remembered for her love of friends and family and her grace and dignity through her illness and her never surrender spirit. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Jim R. Howell, her beloved children, Jimmy R. Howell, Jr. of Florida and Leslie Howell of Ohio; step daughter Melissa Hassett of Ashtabula; grandchildren, Daniel and Nick Gustafson and Jenna Schiddell; siblings, Thomas Baughman of AZ and Cindy (Jimmy) Stauffer of Cleveland; half-sisters, Gretchen Russell and Rebecca Allen of SC and step sister, Debbie Harris also of SC; loving nieces and nephews and special friends. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister-in-law, Jan Baughman. Funeral Services will be at 12 Noon on Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio. Elder Steven Sargent will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, North Kingsville, Ohio. Visitation will be observed from 4PM until 6PM on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio. Debbie's family would like to thank her many friends for their love and support during her homeward journey and the staff of the Hospice of the Western Reserve Hospice for their kindness shown to Debbie and the family along the way. ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula is assisting the family. www.ducro.com