PERU — Dorothy B. Howard, 86, formerly of Peru, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh with her family by her side. She was born in Hudson, N.Y., Nov. 25, 1925, the daughter of Thomas and Caroline (Moll) Bratton. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1944.
Dorothy married James Howard Sr. on July 4, 1944. They loved to travel with their children throughout the U.S. visiting many National Parks. They moved from Stottville to Rouses Point in 1955, and finally to San Angelo, Texas in 1975, where they realized their dream of owning a KOA campground. Dorothy and James were married for 33 years until his death in 1977. She saved a spot for him in her heart until the day she died.
Dorothy's pleasures included singing with the Sweet Adelines, knitting, traveling, poetry, writing, socializing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Dorothy especially enjoyed the fellowship of her church, The Assembly of God, who were a second family to her. They were her shepherds every step of the way.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James Jr. and Tracey Howard of Peru; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Ann (Howard) Conover and Larry Conover of Temecula, Calif.; grandchildren, Amanda Abdella and husband Mark, Kristen Howard, Kealy Howard, Jesse Drollette and wife Marci, David Drollette and wife Kristen, Shannon Conover and wife Rebecca Taber-Conover, Jeremy Conover, and Brian Conover and wife Kiera; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Addison Abdella, and Clover Raine Conover; brother and sister-in-law, John and Arlene Bratton of Hudson; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, James Howard Sr. on March 21, 1977; and two sisters, Evelyn Hummel and Janice Whitaker.
Calling hours will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru. A funeral service will follow at noon at The First Assembly of God Church in Plattsburgh. A reception will follow at the Church. Burial will be private in the Glenwood Cemetery in Champlain.
Donations in her memory may be made to Operation Christmas Child, c/o First Assembly of God Church, 164 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Meadowbrook Nursing Home for their care and support during this difficult time.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru. To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of Dorothy Howard, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com
