Betty Ann Shively Howe, 89, of Whitesville, passed away peacefully in her sleep after her last game of Bingo on her phone, Tuesday, September 3, 2024. “Mamaw Betty,” as she was known all throughout Whitesville and Hancock County, was one of fourteen kids, born to Bob and Mary Shively on October 16, 1934. Her parents and 11 of her siblings preceded her in death. She is survived by two sisters, Rosie Morris and Nancy Akers. She was married to Kenneth Howe on February 14, 1953. He preceded her in death on August 15, 1988.
That Valentine’s Day marriage resulted in their eight argumentative, surviving kids; Denny “Popcorn” (Vicki) Howe, Marilyn Howe, Lou (Glenn) Higdon, Sandy (Ray) Mills, Peggy Howe, Susie (Tom) Mattingly, David (Tracie) Howe, and Laurie (Frankie) Fulkerson. And 14 grandkids, Chad (Connie) Mills, Chris (Amy) Jackson, Brian (Laurie) Howe, Shana (Neil) Higdon, Jeremy Higdon, Stacey (Amanda) Howe, Jason (Jessica) Higdon, Kenya (Logan) Boarman, Rachel (Sean) Courtney, Joey (Vanessa) Fulkerson, Jamie (Jeremy) Hayden, Brandon Howe, Bub Mattingly, and Weston Howe. Their family legacy also includes 19 great-grandkids and many beloved step-grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends.
Sweet and sassy all at the same time, Mamaw Betty was happiest surrounded by her family and friends. She was a “not-so-quiet” cussing, competitive, slot and card playing, Christmas-fudge making, boxed wine and Busch Light drinking spitfire, who never let anyone outwork her. She was everyone’s friend and proud to know you, ready to give hugs and kisses to all.
The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 6 at St. Mary of the Woods Parish. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday with the prayers and stories at 6:30 pm at Cecil Funeral Home in Whitesville. The family asks that you come as you are, casual attire to honor her. Bring your favorite Mamaw Betty stories and smiles.
She was a lifetime member of St. Mary of the Woods, and any memorial contributions can be made to the “Together We Can” school capital campaign