Marie Martha Howell

Marie Martha Howell was born in Frankenmuth, Michigan on February 28, 1938, the daughter of the late Herbert and Margaret Schluckebier, their 5th daughter of 6. She was united in marriage to Richard Howell, from Wabash, Indiana who preceded her in 2018 after 55 years of marriage. She attended St. Lorenz Lutheran School, Frankenmuth High School (9th and 10th grade), and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw. She also attended and graduated from MSU with a teaching degree. She married Richard (Dick) Howell on July 20, 1963, in Frankenmuth, MI. They were married for 55+ years and were blessed with 2 children.

Marie is survived by her children, Terri (Mike) Durfee and Gary Howell, her grandsons Brian Durfee and Matthew Durfee, and her sister Barbara O’Neil as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Awaiting her in heaven are her parents, her sisters and brothers-in-law Mike and Esther Ortner, Herbert and Margaret Grueber, Frank and Ruth Rittmueller, Dorothy Schmitzer and her husbands Bob Jorgensen and Floyd Schmitzer, Wayne Weston, and Bernie O’Neil.

After graduating from MSU, Marie taught Kindergarten and First grade at Clarksville School, where she helped guide many students with her loving care. She taught for over 30 years and enjoyed all the joys that came with teaching our younger generations. After retirement, she enjoyed many trips around the country and purchasing her favorite home, the cottage as it was affectionally known, where she eventually moved to full time after selling the house in Portland. She enjoyed going on trips to the casino with her son and grandsons, who called her the luckiest person ever. Those who knew Marie will remember her for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, her deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. Marie was affectionately known as a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She spread love, compassion, and her unwavering faith in God. Marie was a person, that no matter who you were, either friend or stranger, she would sit down and talk to you and make you feel good about yourself. You would always leave with a smile on your face. She had a gift to make everyone feel better just by being near her. She was the historian of the Schluckebier family. She would recall bits and pieces of history that nobody could remember. If you had a question about anything or anyone, mom would know. We all are going to miss talking with mom and the blessings that she would give when you did.

Although Marie may no longer grace our lives, her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to remember her, may her light forever shine brightly in our hearts. We ask that you remember her for the way she lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful help and care provided by the staff at Trish and Toni House in Auburn, MI and to Heartland Hospice of Michigan for the compassionate care that they both provided during the last few days of her incredible life. Everyone loved on her as if she was their own mother. It was such a blessing to our family.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Ogemaw Hills Church, 3480 W M76, West Branch, MI 48661 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The celebration of life will be at 12:00 pm. Marie will be buried next to her loving husband Richard at the Danby Township Cemetery, Portland, MI on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Toni and Trish House or to the Bible Quizzers of Ogemaw Hills Church.