Mildred “Millie” Howell, 80, of Carmel, died March 27, 2014. The youngest of ten children, she was born Aug. 19, 1933, in Thorntown, Ind., to the late John Wesley and Sylvia June Sturgis Fairfield. When Millie was a young girl her family moved to Lebanon, Ind. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1952. She attended the Pilgrim Holiness Church, where she met Bill, the love of her life. Bill and Millie married on July 3, 1952. They laughed and jokingly commented “Millie stole Bill out of the cradle” as she was 4 months older and at age 18, legally, Bill’s parents had to consent for him to be married. Millie worked at Bass Manufacturing and later A&P grocery. She was known for her talent of sewing and crafts, having made beautiful Cabbage Patch dolls and afghans. Millie also enjoyed cake decorating. She was an avid garage sale shopper and through her efforts supplied social service organizations, neighbors, family and friends with much needed and appreciated goods and surprises for many years. Millie was also known for her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. She had a giving heart and made friends easily. Those who have been blessed by her life, and will miss her immeasurably, recognized her love and commitment to God, her family and her many friends. In addition to her parents, Millie was preceded in death by seven brothers, William (Margaret) Harold, John (Maxine) Robert; Kenneth (Viola), Arthur (Dottie), Russell (Mary), Marvin (Ruth) and Lonnie (Joanne Fairfield) Howell; a sister, Rosemary (Max) Neely; and a brother-in-law, Forrest McKenzie. Survivors include her beloved husband of sixty-one years, William E. Howell; three sons, Dennis (Rebecca Dunlap) Howell of Huntingburg, Ind., Bradley Howell of Zionsville and Brian (Deborah) Howell of Bakersfield, Calif.; four grandchildren, Allison (Brian) of Huntingburg, Amanda (Chris) of Huntingburg, Joselyn of Indianapolis and Nicholas of Athens, Tenn.; four great- grandchildren, Jeremiah, Lily, Colin and Connor; a sister, Myrtle McKenzie of Hermet, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. April 1 at First Baptist Church of Carmel, 1010 E. 126th St. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Millie’s memory to First Baptist Church of Carmel or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.bussellfamilyfunerals.com.
