“Aunt” Rachel Howard, aged 81 years, 11 months and 1 day, died at 3:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. I. Falkenstein, southwest of Astoria. She had been critically ill for several months. Death resulted from stomach trouble and complications incident to advanced age.
Mrs. Howard was born near Ipava, October 8, 1851, the daughter of Henry and Julia Babcock.
On October 6, 1870 she was united in marriage with Joseph Howard. They began housekeeping near Astoria and she had spent the past 60 years of her life in this city and vicinity. One daughter, Zadie, was born to this union and a foster son, Jim Howard of Ipava, was reared in their home. Her husband died Sept. 24, 1919, and she has since made her home with her daughter, where she passed away.
Mrs. Howard became a member of the Christian church at the age of fourteen years and was a loyal supporter and faithful attendant as long as health would permit. She was always among the most willing ones to render assistance to those in need or distress and was much admired for her high ideals.
She was a member of Astoria Chapter No. 144, Order Eastern Star, and was probably the oldest member at time of her death, having held membership for more than forty years.
Surviving, beside her daughter and foster son, are four sisters, Elsie Howard, Washugal, Wash., Harriet Littleton, Des Moines, Ia., Orinda McGrew, Macomb and Maria Ebbert, Ipava, four grandchildren, Howard, Fred and Avenell Falkenstein and Mrs. A. Waechter; two great-grandchildren and a host of friends. There are three brothers who are deceased.
How sweet to sleep where all is peace,
Where sorrow cannot reach the breast,
Where all life’s idle throbbing cease,
And pain is lulled to rest.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock at the home of her daughter with the Rev. Darrell Freleigh officiating. Burial in the Astoria cemetery.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus