Helen Elizabeth "Betty" Howard

Helen Elizabeth "Betty" Ryerson Howard (1922-2017)

ITHACA-Helen "Betty" Howard died at Cayuga Medical Center September 17, 2017 following a short illness-but a long life filled with great joy, deep sorrow, and a variety of contributions.

Mrs. Howard was born in the city of Ithaca on May 30, 1922 to Helen A. Lewis Ryerson and James E. Ryerson Sr. She was the oldest of three; brother Rodney Ryerson is deceased; brother James Ryerson Jr. survives her. After graduating from Ithaca High School (1939), Betty began work at Lake View Dairy. Betty married Robert "Bob" Leon Howard (former Tompkins County Sheriff) in August 1946. They were married for sixty-two years and had two children, Bonnie Howard Howell and Robert Leon Howard Jr. (deceased 1973). From 1946 until 1958, Betty worked in farming, as a homemaker, as the Sheriff's wife, and in a car dealership, following a family interest in all things automotive.

In 1958 she started work in the billing department of the former Tompkins County Hospital; in 1978 she retired from Cayuga Medical Center to help raise her granddaughter. She often said: "I never missed a day of work in my life."

In addition to daughter, Bonnie; Betty is survived by three granddaughters, Elaine Howard (Karl) Ecklund, Carolyn Elizabeth Howell (Brian) August, and Kathryn Helen Howell (Scott) McCann; daughter-in-law, Fern Nohle Howard Vaughn; two great-granddaughters, Anika Elizabeth Howard Ecklund and Eva Mary McCann; nieces, nephews and many friends, but especially family friend Ruth Shannon, and long term friend Barbara Garrett.

Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services at Bangs Funeral Home this Saturday September 23 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the chaplaincy at Cayuga Medical Center. Checks may be made payable to "Cayuga Medical Center Foundation." Please write "Durham Trust for Chaplaincy in memory of Betty Howard" in memo and mail to: Attn: Tanya Roberts, Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14850.

Saturday, September 23, 2017 11:00 AM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850