Beverly Ann Howe-Merrill
Ava, MO

Beverly Ann Howe-Merrill, the daughter of Charles "Bud" Howe and Betty Jane (Lenaburg) Howe, was born September 20, 1960 in Clinton, OK and passed away on April 6, 2008 at the home of her parents in Ava, MO at the age of 47 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Beverly lived in Ava from 1960 to 1975 at which time the family moved to Tallahassee, FL. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1978. Feeling the urge to travel, she then lived in Alexandria, Monterey, Key West and Maui. In the early summer of 1991, Bev and her brother Brian headed to Alaska to "see the sights". They traveled through many western states and Canada and settled in Juneau when their traveling money ran out. Beverly continued her travels and moved back to Maui, where she lived until 1996. She then returned to Juneau and started working for the Alaska Marine Highway System. In 2002, Beverly met her soon-to-be husband Paul Merrill who was a Deck Officer on the State Ferries. They were wed in Maui on April 29th, 2006. They made their home in Bellingham, WA.
In their short but precious time together, they shared many memories. Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in February 2005, Beverly fought a gallant battle and never complained. She made the best of all the time she had traveling, visiting friends and family who she cherished above all else. She was a friend to all that knew her, and was loved by everyone. She will be missed deeply.

Beverly is survived by her husband Paul of Bellingham, WA, her parents Charles (Bud) and Betty Howe of Ava, MO, three brothers, Robert Howe and wife Kathy and children Amy and Calen of Morrisville, MO, Brian Howe his wife Michelle and daughters Jennifer and Erin of Anchorage, Alaska and Barton Howe and his wife Debbie and son Tyler of Warrensburg, MO.

In keeping with Beverly's wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes will be spread in Maui, HI. A Celebration of her life is planned for 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the home of her parents in Ava, MO. Friends of the family are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Memorial of Beverly to Ava's Neighbor Helping Neighbor at PO Box 1011, Ava, MO 65608.