Garth Howard

Garth R. Howard, 89, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2015, at the Spring Creek Adult Living in Meridian, Idaho, where he'd been a happy resident for more than three years. Garth was born June 7,1925, in Ririe, Idaho. He's the oldest son of the three Howard boys, Garth, Morris, Gilbert, plus daughter, Carol Frey. Together, they are the four children of Raymond Albert Howard and Cora Marie Park Howard of Ririe. Garth graduated from Rigby High School and joined the Navy in May 1943. He retired from the Naval Reserve years later. While in San Diego, Garth joined the Navy's Dental Technology Corps, learning everything about the operations, equipment, and support of a dental office. Garth married Shirley L. Reese in June 1947. They had two children, Patrick G. Howard (1946-2010) and Sandra Kay Ballenger (1948). In 1964, Garth married Fayma Darlene Eads and lived in Denver, Colorado. In 1971, they were joined by the Doug Freeman family, and together they all moved into Colorado's high country southwest of Denver at 8,500 ft. near Pine Junction, where they lived for 27 years. The dental training Garth received from the Navy ultimately became Garth's lifelong career as a traveling sales representative for dental supply companies operating out of Denver. He was a top salesman, winning numerous awards. He and Darlene would head out on those 4-6 week car trips throughout the Midwest in their station wagon loaded with supplies for the dentists and building lifelong friendships along the way. They loved Mexico, annually renting an apartment for 3-4 months just off the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Garth had more fun in "PV" than anywhere else, especially when family came to visit and enjoy the beach. He loved the motorcycle rides throughout the Rocky Mountains with son-in-law, Doug, for more than 25 years, and the week-long motorcycle trips to the Southwestern Canyons, or just riding up to watch the Aspen change in Colorado's high country. Garth is survived by his brothers and families of Morris in Norco, CA; Gilbert in Rigby, ID; and sister, Carol Frey in Idaho Falls, ID; his daughter, Sandra Ballanger of Yelm, WA and her daughter, Britain Woodard. Garth is also survived by three step families; Tom & Linda Richmond (Kim, Heidi, Tommy) of Hailey, ID; Doug & Shirley Freeman (Kelly & Marney) of Meridian, ID; and Monte Kirkhart of Caldwell, ID (Monica Fritz of Tacoma, WA, and Amy Moore of Carthage, NC). Garth is preceded in death by his wife, Fayma Darlene Eads Howard, son Patrick, and grandson, Ian. A graveside service in honor of Garth and Darlene will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at Ririe-Shelton Cemetery where they will be buried together. A private Celebration of Life was held earlier at the Freeman home in Meridian, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Idaho Humane Society, local VA, or other charity of your choice.

Graveside Services will be held

11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, June 13, 2015 Ririe-Shelton Cemetery 12463 East 129 North Ririe, ID 83443