Waunita Howard

Waunita L. Howard, 90, of Bucyrus died Monday, February 8, 2016 at Bucyrus Community Hospital after a sudden illness.



She was born in Bucyrus August 1, 1925 to the late Ray and Mary (Fritz) Metzger and grew up on the family farm. She went to school at Holmes-Liberty where she was a cheerleader and graduated in 1943. While visiting her dad in the hospital, she met James Edward Howard who was also hospitalized after a car accident. Soon she was visiting Jim and they were married December 24, 1944. Jim preceded her in death May 13, 1993.



Waunita was a fun and active lady who always seemed 30 years younger than her age. She was athletic and competitive in everything she did, whether bowling, golfing, playing cards, or even crosswords and games. She was a member and former club champion of golf clubs in New Winchester and Bucyrus and truly loved the game. She looked forward to regular meetings with her card club and bowled in countless tournaments over the years. She was a lifelong member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church and was a member of the Bucyrus Moose Lodge. After working at Omlor’s Meats and Baumel’s, Waunita worked for the ASCS, retiring after 28 years. She and Jim enjoyed traveling, visiting most of the United States and Hawaii and she loved keeping up with her family of which she was so very proud.



Waunita is survived by children, Vicki (Ken) Frayer of Marion, Polly (Ronald) Stuckman of Port Clinton, Steven (Bonnie) Howard of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Douglas (Mary) Howard of Chino Valley, Ariz.; grandchildren, Michelle (Rory) Woods, Angela Bugno, Pam (Matt) Humes, Brian (Pascale) Stuckman, Jay (Jenny) Stuckman, Shane (Sherry) Stuckman, Scot Howard, Eric (Sommar) Clark, and J’Aimee Howard Hu; great grandchildren, Grant, Morgan, Lucas, Josie, Mitchell, Carter, Zechariah, Jordan, Josh, Nikki, Shayla, Tracy, and Calvin; eight great-great grandchildren; siblings, Jimmy (Lillian) Metzger, Francis Way, George (Helena) Metzger, and Bonnie Whited; sisters-in-law, Bette and Tillie Metzger; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends including her best friend, Ernestine “Ernie” Hart.



In addition to her parents and husband of 49 years, Waunita was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Heather Howard; brothers, Ralph, Donald, and Robert Metzger; and sister, Genevieve Kronenberger.



Waunita’s family will receive friends on Friday, February 12 from 4-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus and her funeral will be held at Woodlawn UMC on Saturday at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Memorial donations are encouraged to be given to the Heather Howard Memorial Scholarship or a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral home and memories and photos can be shared on her Tribute Wall.