Mildred "Millie" Howard

Mildred "Millie" Howard passed away Thursday, November 26, at Brookdale Retirement Home in Georgetown, TX. She was 98. She was born Mildred Kurhajec on August 24, 1922, in Racine, WI, to John and Susan (Cupan) Kurhajec. She grew up in Racine attending local schools, graduating from Washington Park High School, where she also excelled at softball. She was encouraged to play women's professional baseball during WWII, but her favorite teacher, Mr. Walters, persuaded her to finish high school instead. After high school, she worked for Webster Electric, aiding the cause during the war, and played on their company softball team.

In 1946, she married Robert "Bob" Howard, and they made their home in Bismarck, ND, where 6 of their 7 children were born. In 1966, the family moved to Missoula, MT, where their youngest child was born. They loved Missoula and made it their home. After Bob's retirement, they enjoyed traveling to see grandchildren and doing various mission tasks for the church. Bob passed in 1999, and Millie stayed in their Missoula home until 2006, when she moved with her youngest son to Liberty Hill, TX. In Texas, she quickly adapted to make new friends through Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and her Over The Hill Gang social group in Liberty Hill.

Millie was blessed with a strong Christian faith, was a devout lifelong Lutheran, and was an active member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She enjoyed responding to God's love through service and gospel outreach. She took a variety of jobs over the years to help with the family's finances. She had a special fondness for young children and enjoyed providing childcare. Millie was a rambunctious sports fan and loved her Green Bay Packers and Atlanta (Milwaukee) Braves. She followed Montana athletics and had season tickets for many years to Lady Griz basketball. She cheered for her children and grandchildren at every opportunity.

She is survived by her sister Susan (David) Jahns; her 7 children, Robert (Peggy) Howard, Susan (Mrs. Gavin) Munro, Joel (Pamela) Howard, Jeffrey Howard, Dean (Helen) Howard, Timothy (Mary Kay) Howard, and Thomas (Jennifer Potter) Howard; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, son-in-law Gavin Munro, and 7 siblings.

Although she will be missed, her many friends and relatives can rejoice that Millie is at home in heaven. She will be interred in Missoula next to her husband at Sunset Memorial Gardens.