Joann Howe, age 85 of Sears, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at home with her family at her side. She was born in Kalamazoo, on June 13, 1934 the daughter of, Corwin and Marion (Kerstin) Newton. Joann graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952. On February 13, 1954 she married Robert Howe in Kalamazoo where they raised their family. Bob and Joann spent many mornings at Theo & Stacy's Restaurant on Portage Road. Together they looked forward to Bingo time. Joann also enjoyed knitting, sewing and reading and loved to travel. She worked as a nurses aide at Mecosta County Medical Center for several years before retirement. She was spunky, feisty, witty, strong, loyal and loving. These characteristics will not be forgotten by: her four children, Daniel (Evelyn) Howe of Evart, Julie (Bill) McKinney of Clermont, FL, Robert (Kara) Howe II of Big Rapids and Patti (Jeff) McNeilly of Sears; nine grandchildren, Vicki (Craig) Spille, David Richter, Nicole (Ryan) Davis, Tiffany Howe, Aimee (Shawn) Cassidy, Taylor (Donovan) Cramer, Dan (Krista) McNeilly, Tom (Kaala) McNeilly and BobbiJo (Robert) McNeilly, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2008; great granddaughter, baby Shae; four siblings and her parents. A private funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton. Interment will follow at East Fork Cemetery in Barryton. For those that wish to honor her memory by a donation to a charity, the family was grateful to, Hospice of Michigan for the care they provided. A recording of the funeral service is available below. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time it is deeply appreciated. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/RY26SYTS696TXY2M?e=1 Private Family Service Friday, April 3, 2020 11:00 AM Daggett Funeral Home, Inc 19238 South 30th Avenue Barryton,Michigan 49305