Katherine Lynn Howe

On Thursday, May 14, the world grew a little quieter with the passing of Kathy Howe at her home in Rigby, Idaho. At only 59 years old she had managed to touch the lives of so many. Although life on earth will be duller without her, her memory and spirit will continue to fuel the ones who had the chance to love her.

Born May 11, 1967 to Anne and Dale Summers, Kathy spent her childhood causing trouble around Rigby and Ririe. She had a childhood of laughter and love surrounded by her siblings Barbara, Barry, and Karen. As Kathy grew up her big heart and ability to make people laugh warmed the lives of all around her, from her family to the cashier at the grocery store. Kathy was always a busy body. She was kind and witty and unapologetically herself. She took on many jobs throughout her life, most importantly was a server at the Paris Cafe, where she met her husband of over 30 years Todd Howe. Their love knew no bounds, and there was nothing they couldn’t do together. After a long decade of just being Todd and Kathy, they added Nick and Natalie to the mix. Kathy went on to work for Jefferson County, where she balanced being the best mom with being the best appraiser. Later she moved on to being a lab technician, and was the light of the lab.

Kathy’s most prized possession was her lawn, making sure she always had the nicest lawn on the street. She loved being outside and adding life to her home. She was an incredible decorator, turning her home into HGTV’s dream all by herself. She loved to create, whether she was dragging a dresser off the side of the road to refinish and bring to life, or spray painting everything she owned to match her bright and vibrant personality. Kathy could sniff out a project and turn anyone’s trash into treasure. She lived with life in her heart, and tried her very best to make her world match that.

Kathy was a mother, wife, sister, daughter, a shoulder when you needed one, and was always loaded with a silly joke to ease the tension or sadness in the room. She loved loudly and in her own unique ways. She was there for whoever needed her and never asked for anything in return. She could make a friend out of any stranger, and lead her life with love.

Kathy loved being a mother, and was always ready for whatever it threw at her. Whether it was dance competitions or late night science fair projects. She was not only an excellent human mom, she was the most incredible cat mom and spoiled her two cats Waffle and Eggo rotten. She became not only a mother, but also a best friend to her children. Kathy was a person you could count on. She would give anybody a ride and help anybody with any task, although she would most likely be a little late. Kathy was an extraordinary human who will continue to inspire those around her, most importantly her children who are determined to bring her memory and light with them for the rest of their lives.

She is survived by her three children, Tim Jensen, and Nicolas and Natalie Howe; her siblings, Barry Summers and Karen Reading; as well as her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Todd Howe; her sister Barbara Summers; and her beloved parents. Kathy lived a very extraordinary life, and one celebration of life could never be enough. Kathy will be celebrated every day, in big and small ways, for the rest of her family and friend’s lives, and will always be missed and loved by all. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.