Skip to content

Ethel Louise Howlett "Gibbons"

August 29, 2019

Q7E6T8Y9-20190830140815
March 7, 1941 - August 29, 2019
A golden leaf has fallen off of the Howlett family tree. Ethel Louise Howlett (Gibbons), cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, age 78, of Stettler, Alberta quietly passed surrounded by her family on August 29, 2019.
Ethel, the eighth child of Harley and Jennie Gibbons was born on March 7, 1941 in Blackfalds, Alberta. She grew up in the Blackfalds area and attended Blackfalds School for Grades 1-8, and the Nelson School in Lacombe for Grade 9. She left school early to care for her ill mother and handicapped brothers. Ethel's brother Archie introduced her to a handsome fella named Leslie Howlett and they were married November 14,1959. To this union five daughters were born. Les' career with the Alberta Wheat Pool took them to Chancellor, Wetaskiwin, Rimbey, Bentley, Bittern Lake, Beynon, Huxley and Carbon where they raised their family. In 1990, they retired to Stettler to be near family. In 2018 they moved into Paragon Place Lodge, Stettler.
Ethel's life revolved around her home and family. Ethel was the keeper of the stories--family history, birthdays and anniversaries. She also was a wealth of knowledge for baking and canning. The best recipes were always just a phone call away. Ethel enjoyed doing crafts. She delighted in gifting her handmade cross stitch pictures, knitted baby clothes, afghans, and crocheted tablecloths to family and friends. These are real treasures to us all. Ethel loved playing the chord organ and her guitar. Blue Grass and country music were her favorite, and she enjoyed a much-anticipated trip to Nashville in 2017. Family celebrations were also cherished by Ethel. In June, we held an early 60th Wedding Anniversary party in which the whole family was in attendance. She was very proud to see the family tree that a lifetime of love had created.
She leaves to mourn her husband of 60 years, Leslie and five daughters: Wanda (Keith) Best of Nanaimo, Kathy (Mike) Hofer of Rockyford, Valerie (Bruce) Mappin of Erskine, Michelle (Peter) Larsen of Standard and Marilyn (Michael) Weatherald of Rimbey; eleven grandchildren: Brandi (Dan) Belliveau, Shane Best, Stephanie (Jeff) Yule, Meghan Nichols (Rolly Thomson), Angeline (Lindsey) Shadlock, Charlee Mappin, Bobbie Mappin (Devon Robinson), Ashley (Wes) Kirkpatrick, Melissa (Garrett) Smith-McCormack, Colby Weatherald (Annie Schur) and Connor Weatherald; and nine great grandchildren: Dylan Belliveau, Payton, Taylor & Sawyer Yule, Raeleigh & Nash Nichols, Westin & Ruger Shadlock and Jack Smith-McCormack.
She will also be sorely missed by her brother Archie Gibbons and in-laws Jack Juke, Harry (Joyce) Howlett, Ken Craig and Fern Nelson, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
It was an honor for the family to care for our mother during her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The family was very fortunate to have time to reminisce with many relatives and friends over the past few months. Special thanks to Dr. Kuschke, Dr. Mpisi, Dr. Rehan, and the ER staff at Drumheller hospital, Tammy Caldron, Wendy Poole, Jennifer Nagy, Strathmore/Calgary Homecare, Rev. Barbara Lieurance and Keith and Darlene Murphy.
A private family service will be held at her request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Alberta Cancer Foundation or to a charity of your own choice.


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.