JoAnne "Cookie" Howland

JoAnne “Cookie” Howland, of Portland, passed away on July 17, 2024 at the age of 81. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother Cookie was devoted to her family and friends. She enjoyed her flower gardens and taking long walks. Cookie was an avid volunteer- leading Senior Citizen chair exercises, teaching line dancing, and working numerous events at the Ionia Free Fair in the craft building. She was the PA announcer for the Antique Tractor Pulls and she was proud to drive her red tractor across the Mackinac Bridge. She was a member of the Odd Fellow Rebekah Lodge for over 60 years. Cookie loved animals and owned and operated a pig farm for several years. On June 23, 1962, Cookie married the love of her life, Robert Howland and they raised two children together. Cookie will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding Cookie in death are her parents; brothers, George “Tom” (Betty) Backhurst and Allen “Louie” (Sandy) Fulkerson; and daughter-in-law, Teresa “Terri” Howland. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Howland; son, Ron Howland; daughter, Bonnie (Jim Muntean) Lundgren; grandchildren, Christine, Wendy, and Paul; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter and another on the way in December; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 p.m., at the VFW in Portland.  Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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