Lorraine Elizabeth (Betty) Peterson Howell was born on December 4, 1933, to Herman and Lempi (Sandra) Peterson.

Betty was the middle child and had six siblings: Kathryn, Doris, Richard, Gary, Glenn, and David.

Betty grew up near Brainerd, Minnesota. She served her country in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. It was during her service that she met the love of her life, Bob. Betty married Robert (Bob) L. Howell, Sr. on September 3, 1955, in Brainerd. Betty and Bob had four children: Robert (Rob) Jr., Thomas, Sandra, and Diane.

Rob married Barbara Greer, and blessed Betty and Bob with three grandchildren: David (Kristen), Elizabeth, and Christopher. Sandy blessed them with two more grandchildren: Nolan (Chelsea) and Jeff. Nolan and Chelsea recently blessed them with their first great-grandchild, Ila. Sandy is married to Steve Nicholson. Diane married Jeff West and blessed them with their last two grandchildren: Thomas (MaryEllen) and Matthew.

Betty’s primary role was wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a role model for the women of today demonstrating her faith. Betty was an avid volunteer at different points in her life, serving as Sunday school teacher, member of the PTA, Girl Scout leader, and founding member of Living Faith United Methodist Church. Betty could sew just about anything from a bolt of cloth, and she enjoyed crafting, ceramics, and traveling.

Betty was preceded in death by her infant son, Thomas, her parents, and three siblings. She is survived by her loving husband Bob, three children, seven grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials will be directed by the family.