Bobbie Howard

Bobbie Jo Howard, 81, of Thatcher, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013 at her home in Thatcher with her loving family at her side. She was born on March 21, 1932 in Artesia, to Andrew J. Elmer and Virginia Ann Mitchell Elmer. She married Zenos Howard, he passed away in 2000. Bobbie Jo, attended school in both Safford and Miami. After graduation she began her career in the medical field starting at the Safford Hospital and then to Scottsdale. She had a love for quilting, bowling, and her family. She was active in the Elks Lodge in the Emblem Club, for many years. She worked hard her whole life. Her brother Jim Elmer has cared for her for the past several years, and been by her side. She is survived by her daughter, Susie (Tommy) Freestone of Safford; sons, Steve (Barbara) Howard of Green Valley, AZ, Danny Howard of Safford, Eddie Howard of Thatcher, and John (Jenny) Howard of Thatcher; brothers, Jim Elmer of Thatcher, Ralph Elmer of Tucson, Charles Elmer of Apache Junction, Derald Elmer of Mesa, and Eldon Dallas of Thatcher; a sister, Carolyn Talley of Thatcher; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Phil Elmer. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center,with Bishop Mike Nelson officiating. Viewing will be prior to services on Saturday, from 8:30- 9:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Hubbard Cemetery.