Diane Kay Howard, age 74, passed away in her sleep on Monday, August 28, 2017. She leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of caring for others that extended far beyond her home.
Diane was born April 22, 1943 in Decatur, Indiana, the daughter of Arnold and Dorothy (Miller) Erxleben. She was raised there in a large extended family and was the oldest of five siblings, all of whom were brought up in the Christian faith at Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church. She attended a one room schoolhouse through the eighth grade and graduated from Monmouth High School in Decatur in 1961. While there she was active in 4-H, chorus and theater. As a senior, she was the lead actress in her high school play.
After graduation Diane started work at Lincoln Life Insurance in Fort Wayne. In 1965 she met Gerald Howard; the couple married on January 15, 1966 and moved to suburban Chicago the following year. It was here that her two sons, Richard and Brian, were born. In 1972 the family moved to New Berlin. In addition to raising her children, she worked part time as a payroll processor for Webb & Sons, Inc. and as an administrative assistant for Dr. Richard Hood. In 1985 she began work at Preferred Mutual Insurance Company in the Human Resources department, from which she retired at the end of 2006.
Diane was an enthusiastic and active member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Berlin, serving in the vestry and singing with the choir. She greatly enjoyed family, good friends and neighbors. She loved traveling the country with Jerry, whether by plane, Corvette, or on the back of their Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the time of her passing she was secretary of the Leatherstocking Corvette Club; her retirement activities also included the New Berlin Library Book Club and volunteering at the Chase Memorial Nursing Home. She took a great deal of satisfaction in restoring the Queen Anne Victorian that she and Jerry bought in 1974. It was in the comfort of this beloved home that she took her final breath.
Diane is survived by Gerald, her loving husband of 51 years, her children, Richard Howard (Michelle Hendricks) of Hartwick, Brian (Paula) Howard of Sherburne, and grandsons Donovan and Curtis. Her siblings, Gary (Sue) Erxleben of Sebring, FL, Dennis Erxleben of Fort Wayne, IN, Marsha (Tom) Schraffenberger of Batavia, OH, and Wayne Erxleben of Fort Wayne, as well as niece Sheri Schraffenberger of Amelia, OH also survive. In retirement she took great joy in her annual sibling reunions, the last of which was in New Berlin in June 2017.
Calling hours will be held from 11AM to 2PM on Saturday, September 2 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Berlin, followed by a funeral service. Friends and family are invited to a meal at the St. Andrew’s parish hall after the service. Interment at St. Andrew’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Chenango County SPCA or the Unadilla Valley Food Bank in care of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The family extends its appreciation to our neighbors, friends, physicians and all others who were with Diane through her final years. |
You may add your condolences to be posted below.
Allow 24 Hours for post to show.
|
Jen, Paul, Ally & Maddy Sportelli
Fair Lawn, NJ
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Eaglestonboonton, NJ
I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Diane, other than what I saw of her at our class reunions. My mom used to tell me how pleasant she was and how pretty. I'm glad you had a nice long life together and that you have a lot of family memories to share for comfort. Be merciful to me O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.
Ps 57:1-2Someone just sent this to a friend of mine, who lost her husband and I thought it appropriate for you to turn to now.
I hope you are comforted by the psalms and by a whole host of happy memories.
Ron Buuck
Ossian, Indiana
Gerald, Richard, Brian, Gary, Dennis, Marsha, Wayne, family and friends. So sad to hear of Diane's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I was a classmate all through grade school and high school last visiting with Diane at our 50th class reunion. May the memories of the times you shared bring you peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Mike and Carol Selking
Indianapolis, IN
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Diane's family and will keep everyone in our prayers.
The visits over the years were few, but her beautiful smile has always been remembered.
Debbie & Tim Baranska
Clayton, NC
So saddened to hear the news of Diane's passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Deb and Dave Pedro
Nichols, NY
We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of Diane and keeping you all in our prayers as you accept this tremendous loss.Diane was a very special and unique person. We are so blessed to have known her for the past few years. There will always be a place in our hearts for the memory of “firebird98.”
NIck & Cindy Theodore
Wolfeboro, NH
Jerry and Family - We are so sorry to hear of Diane's passing. Our time spent with you and Diane as members of LCC was a highlight of our time living in Cooperstown. May many years of happy memories sustain you during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed by all.
LAURIE HOTALING
NORWICH NY
My prays go out to all of Diane family and fiends , may she be with god and no more pain.
Foster & Linda Button
Pittsfield, NY
Sorry to hear about Diana passing, our thoughts and prayers to all...Diana was always so friendly.
Phil and Sue Delcostello
Longs South Carolina
We are so sadden by this loss. Diane was one of the nicest people we know. Our condolences and prayers to Jerry and family.
Pat Lindau
South New Berlin, NY
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll miss that wonderful smile of Diane's, she was such a wonderful warm woman.
Dick & Sue Wright
Ormond Beach, FL
It ws a pleasure to have DINE AND jERRY AS Friends It was an honor to have Diane and Jerry as friends. We traveled to Cape Cod 2-3 times together and vacationed in Cancun, Mexico. She was such a joy to be around. Always smiling, happy and upbeat. She lived life as we all should, thinking most of her family, but always trying to help others. Jerry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Julia and William King
New Berlin, NY
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of Diane. Treasure every memory you made with her, Thoughts and prayers to the families!!
Patti Johnson
Dade City FL
So sorry to hear this news. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. I remember her from my years at PMIC.
Don & Dottie LaRue
Seabrook, TX
Our condolences to the Howard family. Diane was a wonderful person and loved her sons and husband very much. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know her. My heart and prayers go out to my son-in-law Brian and his family. God Bless and my the angels watch over you.
Sharon Brenneke
Hoagland, Ind.
Praying for your family. Sorry to hear it she was my best friend in grade school and her whole family was my family too.Love you all God's Blessing.
Kendra Dibbell
Norwich, NY
My deepest condolences to the Howard family. Diane was a wonderful woman and a great asset at Preferred Mutual. She will be missed.
Gina Perry
Guilderland, NY
My deepest sympathy to Jerry, Rick and Brian and their families. Diane was one of my father Preferred Ladies. He called her the great greeter of Preferred. Her desk was as you walked in the front doors from Main St. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a gentle hello. I am sorry for you all and may she now rest in peace!
Janice Erxleben Swygart
Decatur, Indiana
So sorry for your loss. Diane was a wonderful person.
I so appreciated catching up with her at the Aunt luncheons and she was in Decatur with her mom. Prayers for all the family.
Wes & Karla Lathrop
Rush New York
Rick, Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eugene Brownell(Butch)& family
Sherburne, New York
So sorry to hear of your loss. Diane will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
|
