MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark. — The world lost a shining light upon the passing of Dr. Connie Marie Ohnmacht Howery on Feb. 8, 2022. She was 68.  

Born July 7, 1953 in Great Bend, Kan., she grew up on a farm, raiding her grandparents’ cellar for pickles and sauerkraut, milking cows to churn butter, and driving tractors before she fit the seat. She attended school and played the organ in the Catholic church built by her Austrian grandfather. Connie was a career educator, earning PhDs in Education Administration and Special Education. She supported children with special needs, teaching inmates on death row and mental health facilities, helping them earn high school diplomas. She was an avid reader, loved horror movies, and traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states. She loved watching ocean waves or listening to wind blowing through the forest. She had a fulfilling life, calling Colorado, California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Missouri, Kansas, Oregon, Hawaii, Arizona, and finally the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas home.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, William Harold Howery II, and their children: Chy Anna Marie Howery Porter and Brandon Porter of Waddell, Ariz.; William Harold Howery III and Cristina Howery of West Haven, Conn.; Cher Kea Louise Howery Golightly and William Golightly of Washington, D.C.; and Jonathan Lee Gustav Howery of Honolulu, Hawaii. Connie was a beloved Yaya to nine grandchildren: Rylee, Reece, William, Anna, Kya, Micaela, Braxton, Nola, and Zuni.

Connie was laid to rest on Feb. 11, 2022 at the Flatwoods Cemetery in Mountain View, Ark. She will be cherished and lovingly remembered.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 18, 2022