Nancy A. Howell

Nancy A. Howell, 76, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021.
Whether you knew her as Nancy, Miss Nancy, fancy Nancy, crazy Nancy, or even Mom we all agree she was genuinely one of a kind.

Nancy was born on February 20, 1945 to Marilyn (Nichols) and Richard Salb. She grew up in Pittsburg with her parents Marilyn and Frank Allai. She graduated from Pittsburg High School and attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg where she met and later married Barney Howell on June 11, 1965.

For several years, Nancy and Barney lived in Lexington, MO where she was a homemaker. She was a great cook and a talented seamstress. While in Lexington, she ran an upholstery business out of their basement with a good friend. She also worked as a secretary at the local middle school. She developed friendships from Oneida and Franklin streets that were lifelong.

After returning to Pittsburg in 1977, Nancy worked for Millers Professional Imaging and Atkinson Industries before starting at The Morning Sun. At the paper, Nancy was the resident face of the ad department where she built extensive relationships across the community. She loved Pittsburg and the people who live here. She remained with The Morning Sun for over 35 years until her retirement in 2017. Nancy two’s undisputable favorite things were KU basketball and Coca-Cola. She was selfless, warmhearted, and rarely complained about anything. She was dedicated, tenacious, and always there for others. Nancy had a gift to gab and curse. She was a world class smart ass and often the life of the party even if she was the only guest. We wish we could share more but it wouldn’t be fit to print. She was blessed with a 65 year friendship with some amazing ladies she considered family; Lillian Bosseau, Jeanette Lee, Judy Haight, Joan Comstock, and Terri French. Nancy was immensely grateful for her sister-in-law, Sherry Sinclair. Nancy always said Sherry was the sister she never had.

She is survived by three children, Laurie Furiness (Dan) of Yardley, PA, Lisa Burch (Taylor) of Dallas, TX, and Brad Howell (Caro) of Altoona, WI and two brothers, Mark Allai (Dee Dee) of Foxtown, KS and Brian Allai of Foxtown, KS. Her grandchildren Kameryn, Darrien, Braxton, Allie, and Landon held their own special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Anyone who knew Nancy will say, with a smile on their face or a little chuckle, she was a very special lady. She was easy to be around and enriched the lives of those around her. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday afternoon, October 30, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 at Palluccas Event Hall located at 207 East McKay Street, Frontenac, Kansas. Nancy was always quick to lend a helping hand, so in honor of her, the family suggests memorials to the charity of your choice. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.


A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Nancy was always quick to lend a helping hand, so in honor of her the family suggests memorials to the charity of your choice. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.
 

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