Patricia Howell

Patricia Karen (Vessels) Howell, 84, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Pat was born in Colfax, Iowa, on May 21, 1941, to Delbert and Frances Vessels. On February 6, 1959, she married Robert Y. Howell and quickly welcomed motherhood with open arms. She was a proud and loving mom to her three children: Cindy, Lisa, and Bobby.

She was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom and also provided childcare for numerous family and friends’ children. She was an avid supporter of all of Bobby’s baseball and basketball games. She never missed one game. As grandkids joined the family, she attended their events, but especially loved the dance recitals. Pat devoted her life to caring for her family, even during her health battles.

Her interests included cooking and trying new recipes. A family favorite was her baked beans. She was an avid reader and would read late into the evening. Karen Kingsbury was her favorite Christian author. Crocheting a blanket for each new grandchild was a favorite hobby. Elvis Presley was her all-time favorite singer and she enjoyed watching his old movies. In the early years, many free weekends were spent in Adel, Iowa, camping with friends. Pat enjoyed traveling with friends and family through the years. Her favorite trips were Hawaii and a Royal Caribbean Cruise. She also cherished spending time with her lifelong friend, Joann Dyer.

As her health started to decline, she became pretty homebound. She followed a daily routine of sleeping late, having coffee in her recliner while watching soap operas and other shows with Bob. A Friday night highlight was having a Dairy Zone beef burger and a Butterfinger Tornado.

Pat was a cherished grandma to her grandchildren, Chris, Megan, Melissa, Cory, Kelsey, Madison, Amanda, Taylor, Chelsea, and AJ, and to her 17 great grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bob; children, Cindy (Matt), Lisa (Greg) and Bobby; ten grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and her siblings, Carolyn, Bob, and David.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joanne and Denny; and great grandson, Tayden.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 with a service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens,121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Pat will be laid to rest free from all pain at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions can be made to UnityPoint Hospice - Taylor House in loving memory of Pat Howell.

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