Mildred Howard "nee Crane", age 90, of St. Elizabeth, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was born on April 13, 1918, in St. Anthony, daughter of David and Olive (Pendleton) Crane. On February 23, 1937, in Jefferson City, she married James Howard, who preceded her in death on October 26, 1992.

Mildred was a member of Meta Christian Church.

She is survived by four children, Helen Moellering of Rochester, New York, Jan Maples of Warrenton, James Howard Jr. and wife Glenda Sue of House Springs, and David Howard of St. Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Loraine Carroll of Marshfield and Ann Carroll of Bakersfield, California.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Elizabeth Ann Howard; four brothers, Elmer, Ogal, Perry, and David Crane; and three sisters, Millie Martin, Ina Gumpenberger, and Cleo Kerns.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Rev. Dale Beasterfeld will officiate. Interment will be in Southside Cemetery in Meta.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Southside Cemetery.