Deanna Lovett Howard, born December 26, 1941, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away surrounded by love January 9, 2026 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, KY.

Foremost, Deanna was a devoted Christian with a fervent desire for Christ and His teaching. She loved Christ above all and it was her desire for all people from all walks of life to know Him. Her love for the Bible was evident in general conversation with anyone she knew. Sensing a need for prayer with someone in need at any given moment and in any given place was a gift from God that was used frequently.

She showed her love of family by her words, wisdom, fun and creativity. Her greatest joy was her husband, Gary, who cherished her beyond measure and was her strength, calm, and direction in her darkest times and who also made her laugh in that way that no one else could. She was so very happy with their life. The memories she made with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sisters were most precious to her.

Studying the Bible was her favorite past time and enjoyed visiting all Christian denominations. Sewing and design of all kinds was always of great interest through the years. She truly loved coconut cream pie, brownie in a mug and a good nap in the sun.

The 1959 class of Charleston High School was among only some of her treasured friends as she made acquaintances and fond friendships where ever she went. Proudly for her family, her senior year, she was Homecoming Queen, Bluejay Yearbook Queen and Cotton Carnival Queen.

The McCutchen Theatre was her first job in concessions where her friend, Gary Howard, worked as a projectionist. Service to the seniors of the community delivering meals to seniors with Meals on Wheels, working at the Charleston Nutrition Center and her insurance sales grew into volunteering beyond those services to seniors in need to navigate the channels of Medicare and other complicated tasks that hindered many due to the complexity of forms, claims; etc.

As a charter member of Rock Steady Boxing, a Parkinsons Disease therapeutic exercise program to inhibit Parkinsons Disease; she enjoyed her exercise classmates, exercise in general and her caring, knowledgeable coach, Brittany Tripplett, who she loved dearly.

Deanna married Gary Howard, February 1, 2022 who survives of the home. She is survived by her sister, Linda Lovett Els (Bob); children: Donna Butler (Kevin), Dana McClain, Cindy Brown (Todd) , Justin Galemore and bonus children Cherie Hagan (Chuck) and Steve Howard.

She also leaves behind her most precious gems, her grandchildren: Grant Butler, Travis Butler, Logan Butler, Emily McLaughlin, Edward McClain, Gary McClain, Jack Brown, Max Brown, Andrew Galemore, Gabby Greer, Jessica Galemore, Lexi Hagan and 11 great grandchildren with whom may wonderful memories were created.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by Bob Carlisle, who she married October 7, 1985; her sister, Karen Sue Eaves.

In lieu of flowers, plants or gift items, the family kindly requests contributions to be made to the Parkinson Disease therapy organization:

Rock Steady Boxing
P.O. Box 292
Murray, KY 42071

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com