Jeraldine Howe

Jeraldine Alyce (Murrow) Howe, 97, from Mitchellville, Iowa went home to be with her Lord on March 4, 2024. Jerry was born June 6, 1926 to Leroy and Nellie (Elledge) Murrow. 

Jerry moved to Des Moines, Iowa when she was two years old. Her dad worked on a dairy farm when they moved to town. She graduated in 1943 from Lincoln high school. She lived in the same home for 74 years in Highland Park.  

One of her first jobs was at the downtown Younkers store selling World War II war bonds. During this time, she met her future husband at the SW 9th skating rink. He was drafted into the army, and when he came home, they married in September 1943. While raising her family, she worked at WT Grants, Harding Jr. High, and later Luther Park Health Care. The job she loved most was as the Central Supply Manager at Luther Park Health Care, where she retired after 20 years. She touched many lives with her genuine kindness and love for her family and friends. She cherished every family gathering and always wished we would stay longer. She was a fantastic cook, but mostly she just loved being surrounded by her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. We never went home hungry! She always listened to us, comforted and encouraged us! We felt your love!

Jerry was the shining star of our family and was always there for everyone, no matter what! Her light has not been dimmed, but burns bright in all of our hearts! We will miss you so much, Mom! We all love you more than you will ever know! 

She is survived by her children, Gary (Karen) Howe, Richard (Kathy) Howe, and Joann (Bill) Ivanovich; 7 grandchildren, Jeff Howe, Justin Howe, Tyler Howe, Amy (Greg) Reed, Adam (Tiffany) Ivanovich, Eric Ivanovich and Brian (Allison) Ivanovich; 13 great grandchildren, Jacob Howe, Jessica Howe, Jenna Howe, Cooper Howe, Ellie Howe, Nick Reed, Zack Reed, Alex Reed, Maylynn Ivanovich, Alysse Ivanovich, George Ivanovich, Hildi Ivanovich and Scarlett Walker; nieces, Genevieve Reed, Lisa Wood and Becky (Mike) Parre; nephews, Dan (Donna) Passick, Brian (Kathy) Kooyman and Kevin Kooyman. 

Jerry is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, James; her parents, Leroy and Nellie Murrow; and sisters, Lenora (Glenn) Passick, Iva (Berle) Kooyman and Lavina (Ken) Seavey

Family will greet friends Friday, March 15, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Memorial service will take place the following day at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family in loving memory of Jeraldine Howe.

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