Margaret Ellen Howard

Margaret “Margie” E. Howard, age 96, of Ogallala and formerly of Lewellen, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026 at Wel Life Assisted Living.

Margie was born on June 29, 1929, in Paxton, Nebraska, to James R. and Hazel H. Driefholt of Big Springs. She attended school in Keith and Perkins Counties through the eighth grade. Education was always important to her, and with quiet determination she later earned her G.E.D. at the age of fifty-eight — a reflection of her steady perseverance and lifelong commitment to growth.

On July 31, 1945, Margie was united in marriage to Robert S. Howard in Big Springs, Nebraska. They were married sixty-three years before Rob’s passing. While Rob served in the Army, they were stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. After his honorable discharge, they returned to Nebraska for a short time before moving to Ontario, Oregon. There they farmed with Rob’s father for a brief time before homesickness drew them back to the Big Springs area — the place that would always be home.

Margie spent much of her life serving others. She began as a cook on the Haythorn Ranch and the Triangle Ranch in Arthur County, later working at Midwec in Oshkosh and at the grocery store in Lewellen. She faithfully served as a cook at Lewellen Public Schools for sixteen years and two years at Oshkosh. She loved the children she fed and cared for, believing each one was special and worthy of kindness.

After retirement, Margie found joy in simple and beautiful things. Her garden flourished under her careful hands, her flowers brightened her yard, and the birds she faithfully fed became daily companions. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome.

Halloween was one of her cherished traditions. Children and adults alike looked forward to her homemade popcorn balls and the costumes she joyfully wore to greet trick-or-treaters. She delighted in creating moments that made others smile.

Family was the center of Margie’s heart. Her grandchildren brought her deep joy, and the memories they made together will remain treasured. Walks to the river, roasting hotdogs over a wood fire in an old car hubcap, and warm cookies baked just for the start of a visit were small acts that spoke volumes of her love. Known lovingly as Nan, she and Rob created a home where family and friends always felt safe, welcomed, and deeply loved.

Margie valued her friendships and cherished her church family, rarely missing a service. Her faith in her Lord and Savior was steady and sure — a quiet strength that guided her through every season of life.

She is survived by her children: Kathy (Wayne) Thelander of Oshkosh, Nebraska; Bonnie (Don) Williams of Ogallala, Nebraska; and Jon (Martha) Howard of Wolbach, Nebraska; her sister, Doris Buss of Paxton, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Howard; her parents, James and Hazel Driefholt; her brother Charles and sister-in-law Jeanie Driefholt; her sister Barbara and brother-in-law Phillip Armstrong; her brother-in-law Duane Buss; and her granddaughter, Toni D. Beckett.

Pallbearers will be her six grandsons: Brent Thelander, Brinkley Williams, Jeffrey Williams, Robert Howard, Dustin Howard, and Daniel Howard.

Margie’s life was rooted in faith, and her hope in Christ was steady and certain. Though we grieve her absence, we do not grieve without hope. Scripture reminds us:

“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:14

In this promise, we rest. In this promise, we find peace.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Private family services  with interment in the Paxton Cemetery will be held at a later date.