Kathryn Howell

Kathryn Howell, of Topeka, passed away November 4, 2016 at the House at Midland Care.  She was born on December 23, 1955 to Lorenzo and Serafina (Juarez) Blanco.  Kathryn enjoyed beading, making jewelry, sewing, cooking and fishing.  Mostly, she loved spending time with her family and friends.  She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Kathryn married Randall Dean Howell on March 8, 1991 in Fredonia, KS.  He survives.  Survivors also include six children: J. (Victoria) Howell, of Kansas City, MO, Julie Newby, of Neodesha, KS, Ryan (Crystal) Munsell, of Topeka, Ryan (Amy) Howell, of Kansas City, MO, Tennyson (Stephanie) Howell, and Alexander Howell, both of Topeka; grandchildren: Rebekkah, Sarah, Hazel, Christopher Haynes, Elijah, Catalina, Christopher Munsell, Shay, Alysa, Carson, and Cali; great-grandchildren: Zamien and Marcello; and siblings, Angie (Larry) Luttjohann, rita Williams, Anna (Larry) Zeller, Beatrice (Bob), Mary (Glenn) Gilbert, Larry (Debbie) Blanco, Cindy (David) Ogan, and Carolyn Blanco.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Loretta.  Kathryn was cremated.  The family will receive friends on Monday, November 14, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 8:00 p.m.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Diabetes Association sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

A message from her husband…

How do you begin to tell the life story of such a remarkable woman?  Her entire life was spent focused around her children and other children in need.  She was quick with a smile, but as fierce as a wolverine when protecting children.  Her love of family was only surpassed by her love of her children.  She instilled these values in all of her children.  Her son, Young Ryan, reminded me that the measure of someone’s life was not only how much one is loved but how much they are loved by others.  That is so true of Kathryn.  Everyone that met her fell in love with her in just a matter of minutes.  I must say it was a lasting love. I had the privilege of sharing 26 years and twins with her. Times were often hard to raise three boys followed by a set of twins, but also two girls and another boy who needed her love and a family that cared about them.  Kathryn never complained in those hard times.  She would turn to me and ask, “How are we going to make it?” I would reply, “With faith and love.” Those were always in abundance in her household and always what was needed would come to us.  God gave everyone a chance to know an angel in Kathryn.  Even though her body is no longer with us, the angel that is Kathryn will always remain. Because of her, I stand here today a much better man than I was 26 years ago.  I prayed to God that all I wanted was one more day for her children.  God answered that prayer and more.   I thank and praise Him for granting my prayer. It was prayer that kept Kathryn with us, so please remember, prayer and love is the only abundance we need in our lives.

Randall