Lillie Howard

Lillie Marie Robbins Howard, 96, of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Lillie was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 17, 1928, to Rev. Alva Eli and Esther Lois (Miller) Robbins. On June 8, 1951, Lillie and Rev. William Daniel Howard were united in marriage and shared over 53 years together, before William’s passing in 2005.

Lillie was the daughter of a Free Methodist pastor. Lillie’s early years were spent moving between Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas, fostering her deep love for community and faith. She found joy in the connections she made along the way, especially during her time in Phelps and Miller, Missouri. Lillie attended Central Methodist College in McPherson, Kansas, where she became a proud member of the basketball team, earning a letter on Central’s first girls’ basketball team. Lillie then went on to complete her degree at John Brown University. She and husband Rev. Bill moved to Boone, Iowa, to their first church and then on to Sac City, Iowa, where they started their family. 

Lillie was always active in the church teaching Sunday School to all ages, playing the piano, and singing in the choir. Lillie taught elementary music in Fort Riley, Kansas  and picked up a hobby of decorating cakes, that became her last career, retiring at 85 from Murfin’s Market in Willard. They had moved to Ash Grove, Missouri, to help her siblings care for their parents. 

In her personal life she loved her family so much. She enjoyed teaching them all sorts of things and spending time with them any chance she had. Lillie had many wonderful qualities and gifts; however, she could not mow a yard or tell a flower from a weed! Her kindness and joyful spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lillie is survived by her daughter, Melody Wilson and husband, Larry Wilson; grandsons, Brandon Wilson, Jacob Wilson, Zebulan Howard; great-grandson, Ashton Thomas Wilson and wife, Elizabeth; great-great-grandson, Kasey Joel Wilson; nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends. 

Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Alva and Esther Robbins; husband, Rev. William Howard; son, Michael Daniel Howard; grandson, Tom A. Wilson; sisters, Mina Belle Holcomb, Avalyn Faye Robbins Burris, Goldie Irene Robbins Bailey; and brother, Alva John Robbins. 

Visitation was 1 p.m. until service time, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services began at 2 p.m., at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Goss Cemetery, Lawrence County, Missouri.