Dretta Fern Howell Henderson, 81, of Vanceburg, passed away peacefully under the care of her daughter, Jacquelyn Beatrice Hale of Minford, Ohio, on December 11, 2016.
Fern, as she was known, was born at Carrs on June 14, 1935, to the late Wesley and Mary Maude Cropper Howell. She was a member of Eastern Star Alum City Chapter 222 and an active member of Vanceburg United Methodist Church. Fern drove a school bus for the Lewis County school system for more than 20 years and was well known by many. A graduate of Lewis County High school class of 1953 and lifelong farmer, Fern was identified for her kind nature.
Survivors include two daughters, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Henderson (Randy) Hale of Minford, Ohio, and Rachel Henderson (Mark) Ghai of Loveland, Ohio; one granddaughter, Olivia Stanley Morris of North Carolina; two great-grandchildren, Roseva Hammond of West Portsmouth, Ohio, and Christopher Hale of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Doris Howell Mackey of Concord; and two brothers, Bernard (Jo Ann) Howell of Morehead and Gene (Bonnie) Howell of Nevada, Ohio. Many nieces and nephews also survive who will mourn her passing.
In addition to her parents Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Fearis (Gene) Henderson, in 2014; four sisters, Oleta Howell Polley, Beatrice Howell Vergne, Betty Howell Barrett, and Alice Howell; and three brothers, Warner Howell, Harry Howell, and Roy Howell.
Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2016, and from 8:00 a.m. until time of service hour on Friday at Gaydos Funeral Home, 159 Second Street in Vanceburg.
Eastern Star rites will be performed Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Gaydos Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Hampton and Bro. Lloyd Spear officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis County Memory Gardens at Black Oak. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gaydosfh.com.
