Gloria J. Howell, 78, of St. Marys, OH died 12:41 p.m. Wednesday May 28, 2025 at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH.

She was born January 21, 1947 in Lima, OH to Virgil E. and Virginia R. (Spees) Wierwille. On February 24, 1967 she married Jerry N. Howell in New Knoxville, OH; he preceded her in death on September 16, 1993.

Survivors include: daughter Christina Howell-Meeker of St. Marys, OH; daughter Kamillia Howell of St. Marys, OH; son Lonnie (Amy Cooper-Frilling) Howell of St. Marys, OH; 9 grandchildren: Ali Howell, Austin Howell, Kori Howell, Kort (Sarah) Howell, Kacey (Lee) Zimmerman, Dustin (Ally Angstman) Howell, Madison (Boston) Hensley, Ty (Michaela Lim) Howell and Tanner Howell; 13 great-grandchildren: Braelyn Howell, Arianna Ickes, twins Amara and Amani Howell, Reese Howell, Rhett Howell, Camden Zimmerman, Tayden Zimmerman, twins Brynlee and Kinzlee Zimmerman, Brooklyn Howell, Beckett Howell, Grey Howell and, another due in November!; sister Nancy Taylor of Rockford, OH; brother Clyde (Beth) Wierwille Harleysville, PA; sister Brenda Wierwille of Erlanger, KY; brother David (Jane) Wierwille of Lima, OH; brother Paul (Tammy) Wierwille of St. Marys, OH; numerous nieces and nephews and former son-in-law Scott Meeker of St. Marys, OH.

Preceded in death by: parents Virgil and Virginia Wierwille; husband Jerry Howell; infant sons Christian and Patrick Howell; great-granddaughter Rhya Howell.

She was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School (Class of 1965) and attended Ohio University in Athens, OH. She retired from JTDM Hospital, where she worked in the housekeeping department for 38 years. An accomplished musician, she enjoyed playing her trombone in the SMABB, Ohio University Marching Band, SMABB Alumni Band and the St. Marys Community Band. She was also a talented vocalist and enjoyed singing all types of music.

She was ardent supporter of ALL St. Marys Roughrider activities.

Gloria was a true matriarch of her family, and supported them in good times and bad, and in periods of heartache or celebration. Her life was devoted to helping others in need and all were welcomed into the Howell home, regardless of circumstance. She will be fondly remembered as a genuine friend and mother figure to all who knew her. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, she often shared the gift of laughter with her family, co-workers and friends.

Rites are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday June 4, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St. Marys. Pastor Parker Miley will officiate the services. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 4 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

All attendees are encouraged to wear Roughrider attire.

Condolences may be expressed to Gloria's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.