Marie Kay Howard

Marie “Kaye” Beard Howard, 80.

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at
home in St. George on June 28th 2022. Kaye was born March 22 1942 in Los Angeles, Ca. to
James Author Beard and Reva Andrus Atkin Beard. She grew up in St. George, being the
oldest, made her responsible for her 2 younger brothers while her mother worked.

She was walking home from the store, when her cousin pulled up and offered her a ride.
In the car were two young Airmen from Nellis Air Force Base. One of them really caught her
eye. He was wearing a pair of blue pants, a white shirt, and a pink belt. I’m sure it was love at
first sight. His name was Robert L. Howard. They spent 48 wonderful years together. For 21
years Bob, Kaye, and their 4 children went wherever the Air Force sent them.

While traveling, mom started to gather dolls from any and all the places they toured.
After a few years of showing the dolls to schools, groups and clubs. People wanted to add a doll
to her collection. The collection grew from a shoe box full to a big brown suitcase.

Mom loved Christmas collecting santas was one of her favorite pastimes. Every size,
shape and color. Getting ready for a christmas party was the highlight of her whole year.
Mom was very loved, she made all the girls feel special. She will be missed by all. Many
amazing hours were spent in gramma’s craft room with one, two, or all 10 grand daughters.
From tole painting to scrapbooking and any other projects she thought the girls might enjoy.
Some of her other hobbies include reading, sewing, writing poems and endless
crossword puzzles. She belonged to the Red Hats in Las Vegas she also made many sister
friends in sorority, Beta Sigma Phi.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bob her husband, Brothers James Michael and
John Patrick Beard, 1⁄2 siblings Walter Morrison Atkin, Wesley Atkin and Reva Helene Truman
daughter in law Theresa Howard. Survived by children Jeffery L. Howard, Rebecca L. Perkins,
Robert L. Howard and Kristina M. Richmond, daughter in law Julie A Howard, brother in law
William J. Truman, 11 grand daughters and 16 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday morning July 6, 2022 at 9 AM at the St.
George Cemetery 600 E. 100 S. St. George, Utah.