Joyce E. Howard

IDA GROVE, Iowa -- Joyce E. Howard, 58, of Ida Grove passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Morningside Rehab & Care Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Roger Madden officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Joyce was born Dec. 30, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Allie and Ida (Zeller) Tranmer. She attended school in Oakland, Neb. She married Marlo Howard on April 21, 1978, in Sioux City.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Every morning she and Marlo would drink their morning coffee and listen to their oldie goldies. She loved being outdoors, whether it be barbecuing, bonfires, playing blongoball, camping, fishing or just relaxing with family.

Joyce loved a good game of basketball. She swore every basket made was never "luck," it was all talent. She also enjoyed shooting pool, puzzles, crosswords and playing card games. In Joyce's younger years, she loved riding her motorcycle. Joyce was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Nothing could beat her fried chicken dinners.

Joyce especially adored spending time with her kids and grandkids. She had a way with kids that was unbelievable. Many kids in the neighborhood knew her as Grandma Joyce. She could come up with the craziest songs and games at the drop of a hat for the kids, and they enjoyed every minute of it. Joyce was a woman who had to always be on time if not a bit early. Joyce will be remembered by having a heart of gold and being such a strong-willed woman. Joyce would do anything and everything for anyone.

Without a doubt her two famous sayings were "I love you more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow" and "When I count my blessings I count you twice." Though Joyce could be a bit stubborn, she is truly loved all the way around the world and back.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Marlo Howard of Ida Grove; one son, Kelly Howard, married to Rae, from Kiron, Iowa; one daughter, Amber Howard, her special friend, Anthony Evangelista from Des Moines, Iowa; one brother, Dale Tranmer, married to Cindy of Fremont, Neb.; one sister, Linda Beck of Sun Prairie, Wis.; four grandchildren, Ashley 13, Troy 8, Dalton 6 and Lane 1; and close family friends, Rachel and Charlie Montgomery and Caleb, Brady and Halle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Floyd; and sister, Lois.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Petet (nephew), Charlie Montgomery (friend), Gary Tranmer (nephew), Adam Howard (nephew), Zach Howard (nephew) and Jeff Kitto Jr. (friend). Honorary pallbearers will be Derek Tranmer (nephew), Rachel Montgomery (friend), Sue Kitto (friend) and Jeff Kitto (friend).