Obituaries

Elizabeth Ann Howard, 83 years of age, of Florence, entered into rest on Thursday, August 29, 2025. Elizabeth was born in Alva, Kentucky to the late Herman Union and Maude Ellison, and she was their only child. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Carl Leslie Howard. She and Carl grew up together in the coal mining camp at BlackStar. After a first date sitting together for a service at their local church they became high school sweethearts and happily spent the rest of their lives together.

Elizabeth leaves behind her loving children, Leslie Howard Berkley and Lance Howard (Monica). She was the cherished grandmother of Carlisle South van der Marel (Lars), William Henry Berkley, Ann Catherine Berkley, and Patrick Carl Joseph Howard, and the proud great-grandmother of Fenna South van der Marel. She also leaves behind her dear friend and caregiver, Christy Vaughn, and her cousin, Wilma Jo Watson, who lovingly described Elizabeth as her “first cousin, first friend, and first sister.”

Elizabeth was proud to have graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. She spent her career as a 1st grade elementary school teacher at Florence Elementary and Collins Elementary School. Teaching was truly her calling—she loved shaping young lives and remained active in the retired teachers’ group, enjoying their monthly lunches. She loved her students, and she loved her colleagues who became lifelong friends.

Elizabeth’s faith was central to her life, and she was a faithful servant both to her church and to her family. She treasured her circle of lifelong friends—Marilyn Schrand, Juanita Denham, Barbara Ann Crume, Jean Ann Stith, Mary Lucas, Pat Anneken, Sherri Lou Noel, and Linda Connor. Together they shared golfing, traveling, playing cards, and, most importantly, a bond of true friendship that enriched her life. She was also an avid sports fan, especially of the Kentucky Wildcats and SEC athletics, cheering passionately for her teams through the years.

She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love for teaching, her faith, and her kindness that touched so many lives. Above all, Elizabeth now rests joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved Carl.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. at Stith Funeral Home, 7500 US Highway 42, Florence, KY 41042. Burial will immediately follow at Burlington Cemetery.