Bessy Bartholomew Howard, 84 of Rexburg, passed away peacefully June 10, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 6, 1927, with her twin sister and best friend, Betty, in Fayette, Sanpete County, Utah, to Ray C. Bartholomew and Martha L. Wintsch Bartholomew. She graduated from Gunnison High School and earned her Education Degree at Brigham Young University. During World War II, she was a cadet nurse. She taught school at Kanab, Utah, Roberts, Idaho and she retired from the Madison School District after twenty-two years of teaching.

She served a mission for the LDS Church to the Central States and also served with her husband, Grant, in the Washington D.C. South Mission.

She married her eternal companion, Grant C. Howard December 27, 1951 in the Manti, Utah LDS temple. They had over 59 wonderful years together.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. She left a legacy of faith,love and missionary service that has influenced the lives of all those she associated with.

She is survived by her husband, Grant C. Howard of Rexburg, and twelve children; David Grant (Dena) Howard of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Barbara (Vardis) Sharp of Rexburg, Ray C (d'Nell) Howard of Smithfield, UT, Bill Carloss (Ann) Howard of Cordova, AK, Mark Riley (Kim) Howard of Fall City, WA, Linda (Zane) Hathaway of Fairview, WY, Jane (Mark) Tower of Bellevue, WA, Sherry Ann (Winston) Burke of Richland, WA, Martha Kathleen (Chuck) Weatherford of Teton, ID, Bart Russell (Tina) Howard of Valdez, AK, Bette Sue (Chad) Struhs of Blackfoot, ID, Jim Grant (Jennifer) Howard of Milo, ID, a sister LaRae (Jack) Chatelain of Logan, UT, 52 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the LDS Church in Plano (5973 North 5000 West) with Bishop Trent Siddoway of the Hibbard 4th Ward officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Chester Cemetery.