Obituary for Karla Howell at Baxter Funeral Home (2025)

Karla Howell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on May 18, 2025, in Ashton, Idaho, from complications from cancer and due to a seven year battle with a stroke.

Karla was born on November 23, 1954, in St. Anthony, to Val Delynn and Vada Mason Miller. Growing up in a close-knit community, she quickly became known for her kindness, her ability to make friends easily, and her dedication as an accomplished student.

She later met the love of her life, Thomas Howell, while attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. The two were soon married and began their life together, building a home rooted in love and service in the Greentimber area east of Ashton, where they remained inseparable throughout their lives.

Karla had a passion for running and was known to greet the sunrise each morning with a five-mile run, and then a bike ride beneath the majestic backdrop of the Teton mountain range. Her energy and dedication extended beyond her personal pursuits – she had a deep love for people and tirelessly served her community.

Whether teaching migrant education, assisting students at Ashton Elementary School, or quietly helping neighbors in need, Karla gave of herself freely and without hesitation.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karla loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived her faith with quiet devotion. She served weekly in the Rexburg Temple and found great joy in her time there. She also served in various church callings, especially in the Primary and Young Women’s Organization. Her life was a reflection of her testimony, and her example of service, faith, and love touched many.

Her greatest joy was her family. She and Tom welcomed their son, Jason Howell, whom she cherished deeply. Karla devoted herself to raising him, teaching him the values of hard work and the rhythms of farm life. In later years, she found special joy in being a grandmother. She loved her grandchildren, Taylor and Zoey, very much and thought about them every single day.

Karla also shared a close bond with her siblings and her parents, often spending time helping her mother while Vada was a the Ashton Living Center, and assisting with trips to Rexburg or Idaho Falls for errands and shopping.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Howell; son, Jason (Alecia) Howell; her two grandchildren, Taylor and Zoey; her sisters, Cristeen (Jay) Vandermeeden and Faye (Kerry) Powell; and her brother, Terry (Toni) Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Val Delynn and Vada Miller.

Karla’s legacy is one of warmth, faith, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, at the Ashton 3rd Ward Chapel, with Bishop Alan O. Baum officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., both times at the chapel. Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of service in Karla’s memory, or donating to the Museum of the Henry’s Fork that the family created.

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