Katie Elizabeth Howard

Katie Elizabeth Howard, 47, of Chicago, IL and formerly of Morrow, OH, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Chicago, IL. Born on July 20, 1978 to Jerry and Joy Smith (nee:Slusher) Howard. Katie will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to everyone she met. A true social butterfly, she never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued. She was an avid reader and talented writer who found inspiration in stories and shared her own with creativity and heart. Katie's contagious laugh could brighten any room, and her warm personality drew people to her wherever she went. She was also incredibly crafty, expressing her creativity through countless projects made with care and imagination. Her kindness, enthusiasm for life, and unique gifts will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her father, Jerry Howard, maternal grandparents, Robert & Elizabeth Slusher, and paternal grandparents, Hamilton & Katie Howard.

Survived by her mother, Joy (Dale) Smith, her children, Ricky Jones of Midland and Jessica (Tyler) Sibert of Sidney, special friend, Brian Corder of Chicago, IL, one brother, Frederick “Derek” Hofer, her grandchildren, Raelyn Jones and Carson Sibert, her aunts and uncles, Rebeccah Slusher, Mike (Marcy) Slusher, Doug (Lori) Slusher, Phyllis (Bob) Ferrell, Wanda Brown and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she met from all of her different walks of life.

 A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 28th 2026 at the Blanchester Eagles from 1pm-5pm.