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Melba L. Howenstine

Melba L. Howenstine, 96, of North Manchester, IN, and with ties to Huntington, IN, died on Sept. 8, 2020, at 5:50 a.m. at Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester.

She was born on July 5, 1924, in Huntington, to Northa and Mabel Kennedy Zorger. She married Alan Howenstine on May 21, 1944. He preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 2008.

Mrs. Howenstine graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1942. She graduated from Manchester College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in education. She later received her master’s degree as a reading specialist from Ball State University in 1970. She taught at Urbana School from 1958 to 1962, at Clear Creek School from 1962 to 1963, and in Niles, IL, from 1963 to 1964. She then taught at Lyon School in Glenview, IL, from 1964 to 1969, Chesterton School from 1969 to 1970, and finally retired from Michigan City Area Schools as a teacher and administrator in 1986.  She was recognized for co-founding the Michigan City Branch of the International Reading Association, and was a member of the American Association of University Women and the International Reading Associations.

Survivors include a son, Kenton A. (Janet) Howenstine, of McQuon, WI; a daughter, Genie A. (William) Gard, of Owensville; three grandchildren, Skyler (Jennifer) Epperson, Rachel (Noah) Howenstine Hawthorne, and Carly (Brian) Howenstine Borchert; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Kyle Howenstine.

A private graveside service will be held at Beech Grove Cemetery in Huntington County at a later date. McKee Mortuary in North Manchester has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to The Alan Howenstine Care Fund for Timbercrest Residents at the Community Foundation of Wabash County, 105 W. Second St., Suite 100, North Manchester, IN 46962, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at mckeemortuary.com.