Doris Viola Howell

Obituary For Doris Viola Howell

Doris Viola (Russell) Howell, 89, died peacefully in her sleep, meeting her Lord face to face on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Services will be held at Ankeny Baptist Church (2842 SW 3rd St. Pl, Ankeny, IA) on Friday, April 24, 2026, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and funeral at 12:15 p.m. A graveside service will be held in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, IL, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Services will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/PH_IKMLRQ7A?feature=share

Doris was born August 23, 1936, to Floyd and Myrtle (Frey) Russell in Osceola, IL. At the age of 15 months, she went to live with her grandparents, Bert and Fern (Rouse) Frey and great-grandmother, Clara (Haines) Rouse. She had many fond memories of her life on the farm and riding her pony to the country one-room schoolhouse. Doris accepted Christ as her Savior at eight years of age and was an active member of Bradford Baptist Church. After graduating from Bradford High School in Illinois, she worked at the Ag Stabilization and Conservation office in Toulon, IL. Doris met Delbert Howell on January 6, 1954, and they were married on February 12, 1956. They had four daughters and celebrated 69 years of marriage prior to Delbert’s death in 2025.

Doris actively served her Lord in church as organist, church secretary, AWANA leader and Sunday School teacher. When Delbert accepted the call of full-time ministry, Doris provided support through her ministry of music. She also provided accordion music for Delbert’s radio ministry in the 1960s. Following their move to Ankeny, IA in 2011, they became faithful members of Ankeny Baptist Church.

Doris was a devoted mother who was actively involved in her children’s lives, serving as Room Mother, field trips chaperone, and Girl Scout leader. She accompanied them on the piano at vocal competitions and attended all their concerts, games, and activities. Doris was highly successful as a Home Interiors displayer for 30 years, earning the highest awards and recognition. Her greatest joy was to be with her family, giving gifts, and providing food. If she didn’t answer her phone, it was probably because she was playing her piano and didn’t hear it ring. She loved jigsaw puzzles and visiting with friends at the Ankeny Senior Center. While Doris will be greatly missed, we rejoice that her faith is now sight.

Doris is survived by her three daughters, Debbie (Gary) Wessels of Ankeny, IA, Darcy (Tim) Stanley of Greenville, SC, and Donya (Darrell) Bayles of Ankeny, IA; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-six great-grandchildren, one of whom preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Darla Gryder, who went home to be with the Lord in 2011; stepfather, Raymond Gerard; siblings, Wilma Savage and Dean Russell; stepsisters, Joyce Defenbaugh and Sherrie Goodman; stepbrother, Bob Gerard; half-sisters, Audrey and Sharyn Russell and Leatha Moon; and half-brothers, Bruce and Mark Russell, all of Kewanee, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Perrin’s Park at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8508 Pelham Rd., Greenville, SC 29615. (Please designate the donation is for Perrin’s Park in honor of Doris Howell).

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Services

Visitation

Apr

24

Ankeny Baptist Church

2842 SW 3rd St Pl
Ankeny, IA 50023

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Funeral Service

Apr

24

Ankeny Baptist Church

2842 SW 3rd St Pl
Ankeny, IA 50023

12:15 PM

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