Irene M. Howard (Orchard)

Irene (Somer) Howard, daughter of Frank and Sophie (Forejt) Somer, was born March 26, 1928 at Niobrara, NE. She grew up on the family farm south of Niobrara and attended rural school nearby. She graduated from Niobrara High School in 1944 at the age of 16. After high school she taught for 5 years in rural schools in Knox County including the Venus school.

On March 18 1949 she married Claude Howard. They lived their entire married life on the farm north of Orchard. Two daughters were born to this union.

Irene enjoyed crocheting, crafts, baking, and gardening. She was active in the church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and other positions of service for many years. Her faithfulness to God has left her family a rich Christian heritage.

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Phyllis and Jim Dow of Orchard, and Elaine and Dennis Stackhouse of Ralston. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Claude Howard, her brother, Edwin Somer, and a great granddaughter, Heather Dow.