Geraldine Ella Howard, Jan. 3, 1927—Jan. 20, 2026, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. — Geraldine “Ella” Howard, 99, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, passed away with her loving son at her side on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born Monday, Jan. 3, 1927, in her family home on Palmer Street, Shinglehouse, she was number four of eight children of Levernon and Eva Mae Foote Howard.

Ella was a Class of 1944 graduate of Shinglehouse High School.

She was employed for over 20 years (1943-1963) at Freeborn’s combination luncheonette, grocery, and soda fountain, which was the meeting place, teen hangout and fabric of the Shinglehouse community life. Later Ella was employed at the Shinglehouse Insurance Office and Market Basket until 1969.

Ella was a life member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse.

She loved her cats, gardening (corn and strawberries), mowing her lawn, sitting on her porch and calligraphy writing for the funeral home, First Baptist Church and relative’s weddings.

She was a true pioneer. She played on the first women’s softball league in Shinglehouse during the late 1940s. She bowled on the Shinglehouse women’s bowling league for over 20 years, which included bowling in tournaments in Buffalo, N.Y. and Syracuse, N.Y.

She loved making her famous “Carrot Juice.” She was extremely proud of her family and son’s military service. Her greatest love was without a doubt her family. She especially loved spending time with her son and granddaughters.

Surviving are a son, Col. (Ret) William “Billy” Howard of Ithaca, N.Y.; two granddaughters, Breanna “Bre” (CPT Jake) Halisky of Spring Lake, N.C. and Paige “Ella” Howard of Ithaca, N.Y.; two great-grandchildren, Joseph “Joey” and Annie Halisky of Spring Lake; a sister-in-law, Cecelia “Pud” Howard of Shinglehouse; and countless nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ella was predeceased by three sisters, Aola Maxson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Dietze and Leverna “Yvonne” Milliken; and four brothers, Virgil ‘Virg” Howard (USMC WW II), Henry “Hank” Howard (USA Korea), Vincent “Vince” Howard (USMC WW II) and Leonard “Joe” Howard (USMC).

Family and friends may pay their respects from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 S. Union St., Shinglehouse,  where funeral services will follow at noon with The Rev. Russell J. Horning, former pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.  A reception will follow the service at 1 p.m. at the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530.

Memorials in Ella’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1364 State Route 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 68, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Ella’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Ella, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.