Velma Ruth Howard -"Sister", age 85, of East Prairie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri.

Born on February 3, 1940, in the Pinhook Community of Mississippi County, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Offrey Chess Howard and Belma Lucille Jones Howard. Velma was a lifelong resident of East Prairie and was known for her strong work ethic and kind spirit. She spent many years employed with the Gates Rubber Company in Charleston and worked alongside her brother at Budget Laundry in East Prairie. A woman of many talents, Velma was also actively involved in farming throughout her life. She was a woman of faith and attended St. James General Baptist Church in East Prairie.

Velma is survived by her brother, Sammy Howard and his wife Debbie Howard, of Paducah; their children, Courtney Magee and Dereck Magee; and her beloved niece, Carlita Sue Howard Harland, and Carlita's two sons: Brent Harland and his wife Jamee Harland, and their children Parker, Isabella, and Nickolas Harland; and Aaron Harland and his wife Rachel Harland, and their children Clara, Sawyer, and Asher Harland.

She also leaves behind extended family, including Kevin and Christy Small, and their children, Rylyn, Coy, Sam, and Ramsey Small.

In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Glenn Howard and Virginia Sue Howard and her close friend Harriet Small.

She will be remembered with love and affection by many, including her special friends, Tom and Beverly Humphrey, Wanda Wybark, Larry Secoy, Tony, Lisa, and Wanda Cogdill, and others who cherished her presence.

A private graveside memorial was held for the immediate family, honoring Velma's life in accordance with her wishes.

Arrangements are under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com