Trellis Haworth Howell, 80, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at St Luke’s Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri, after an unexpected illness. She had been a lifelong resident of Springfield, Missouri; born September 21, 1936, the daughter of Emil H. and Betty M. Haworth. In 2014, she relocated to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to her family.
She attended Greenwood Laboratory School, Drury University and University of Missouri. During her thirteen years at Greenwood she was involved in many student activities, ranging from theatre, cheerleading, chosen drum majorette and homecoming queen. At Drury she became a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
In 1957 she was united in marriage to Math Dooley Howell, also of Springfield, Missouri. They celebrated 54 years together until her husband’s death in 2011. Of that union, two children were born, Dana Howell Martin and Courtney Howell Vialle.
Trellis was instrumental in the Red Cross Drug Education Program for the Springfield public schools, where her passion for children and desire for educating on this topic was ahead of its time. She was a lifelong member of the Springfield Junior League and during her husband’s service in the Abou Ben Adem Shrine, she enjoyed the Shrine Ladies group. Trellis was a dedicated member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and on session.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughters; Dana and her husband David Simon Martin and their two sons, David Simon Martin, Jr and Math Howell Martin of Overland Park, Kansas and Courtney and her husband Norman Vialle II, and their two daughters, Katherine Marie Vialle and Anna Grace Vialle, of Leawood, Kansas.
Friends and family will remember Trellis’s love of handwork; sewing, needlepoint and knitting, placing several years at the Ozark Empire Fair for her needlework. While not an artist herself, she appreciated the talents of others. She respected and adored nature, from the majestic Missouri Rivers, waves of the ocean, sandy beaches, starting a flower by seed, to watching doves outside her kitchen window. Travel, playing cards, tennis, providing a cozy home, antique collecting, and studying the word of God were just a few of the joys in her life. Trellis has always been known for and will be remembered for her radiant smile, compassion for others and complete love of family. Trellis embraced every experience that life put in front of her with strength and grace.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donation be made to Shriners Hospital for Children-Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, 601 East St Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806 or to First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 Cherry Street, Springfield, MO, 65806
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2017 at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East. The family extends an invitation to a reception directly following the service in the church atrium. Graveside service will follow at Maple Park Cemetery.