Nina Fern (Deffendall) Howard, 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Oakview Nursing and Rehab surrounded by her family. She was born on May 2, 1944 in Bridgeport, Illinois, the daughter of Gilbert and Margaret (Farley) Deffendall. She married Gary Howard, Sr. on July 1, 1961 in Bridgeport, Illinois and together they enjoyed sixty-three years of marriage centered around their family. When they were able, Nina and Gary loved taking nightly drives to Beall’s Woods State Park while enjoying nature.
Nina will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and Meemaw. Her greatest pride and joy were her family, and she held her grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially close to her heart. In her younger years, Nina found joy in bowling and formed many cherished friendships as a member of a women's bowling league. Nina dedicated much of her adult life to working at Mount Carmel Apparel and also spent time employed at a clothing factory in Albion. Nina was incredibly talented and creative, often sewing clothes for her daughters and crafting thoughtful, handmade gifts for family and friends. She also enjoyed tending her flower beds and going to craft shows.
Nina loved her family and loved going out to eat and attend country concerts with her sisters. In the summer, Nina, loved being on the water boating with her family. Nina was an avid reader and loved to relax with a good book. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Carmel. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her.
Nina will be remembered by her husband, Gary Howard, Sr.; three children, Benita Tarlton, Angie Campbell, and Gary Howard, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Bethany Stephens, Jeff Tarlton, Michael Tarlton, Erica Cooper, Tanner Campbell, Becky Smith, and Keri Howard; twelve great-grandchildren, Abram, Sammy and Meili Tarlton, Jason Ford, Blake, Brice, Jackson, and Finn Cooper, Theo and Lily Campbell, Willow and Thorn Smith; brother, Michael Deffendall; sisters, Maris Schonaman, and Debbie (Jahn) Sundstrom; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Nina was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. No formal services will be held following Visitation.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Nina’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Howard family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
