Letha M. Howell

Letha “MeeMee” (Thompson) Howell, 80, of Luray, Missouri, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family after a battle with ALS.  Letha was born on March 25, 1944, in Niota, Illinois to Wendell and Faye (Cooper) Thompson. She was united in marriage to Allen Howell on April 18, 1975, in Niota, Illinois, and he preceded her in death August 7, 2006.  

Letha graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School. Letha worked for Sheaffer Pen in Fort Madison, Iowa and retired in 2006. She loved her job and the friendships she made through her work. She was so glad that she didn’t have to run up and down the road anymore. Letha was also known to everyone around from babies to grownups as “MeeMee”. “MeeMee” enjoyed helping Molly in being grandma to lots of kids at the daycare. She loved to bake up lots of yummy treats with the kids. Letha loved being outside anytime of the year no matter the weather. She had a yard full of beautiful flowers and hummingbirds. Letha and her husband loved trail rides, rodeos, and camping. Letha loved to have last minute cookouts for anyone that could come. She would say “Bring your side by side or four wheelers, food and drink let’s have a good time”. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. MeeMee loved all of her grandkids and great grandkids. She had an extra special bond with Hanna and Aubrey. MeeMee was the queen, Hanna the princess and Aubrey the prince. Letha had such a loving and caring heart and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed it. 

Letha is survived by 2 sons: Dennis (Aleta) Thompson of Luray, Missouri, Casey (Karen) Howell of Roberts, Wisconsin, 1 daughter: Molly (John) Lapsley of Luray, Missouri, 11 grandchildren: Shelby (Jesse) Bethke, Sydney (Dan) Mariette, Sam (Marlena) Howell, Stephanie (Josiah) Bell, Hope (Chris) Fox, Luke (Jamie) Griffis, Cheyenne (Chace) Griffis, Caitlyn Griffis, Tyler (Mackenzie) Shinkle, Kyle (Jordyn) Shinkle, Hanna (Tayten) Lapsley, 24 great grandchildren and 3 more on the way, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jeri (Chris) Uhlik, Wayne (Barb) Howell, Becky Stutsman, nieces, nephews and a host of friends, including childhood friends of 80 years, Donna Reusch, Sandy Harmon, and Shirley Tripp.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers: Lynn Thompson, Lee Thompson, 1 sister-in-law: Betty Thompson, 1 brother-in-law: Don Howell and a special friend Charlie Hopp.

Graveside Services for Letha Howell will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Bethlehem Cemetery, Luray, MO. Pastor Shawn McAfee will officiate. Memorials in memory of Letha “MeeMee” Howell are suggested to Bethlehem Cemetery. You are invited to share your memories of Letha and may leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com