A Live Well Lived!



Our love and prayers are with the family and friends who are mourning the passing of this very special lady of the Bitterroot Valley. 



June Hartley Howe:  June 10, 1911 – May 12, 2014

June Hartley Howe, 102 of Hamilton passed away Monday, May 12, 2014 at her home. June was born June 10, 1911 in Hamilton (one block from Main Street on South Fifth), the daughter of Charles and Anna Hartley. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1929 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Montana in 1933. The following two years were spent as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in Hamilton. She married her high school sweetheart, John Howe Jr. in 1936.

June started playing organ and piano for her church, the United Methodist American Baptist Church at the age of 14. She retired from that duty on her 100th birthday. She also taught piano for 65 years, two generations of students, and she loved those years.

June was involved in the Order of Eastern Star (an 80 year member), Rainbow for Girls, PEO, AAUW, Drama Club, Election Judge, Commodity Center, Historical Society and Bridge Club. John and June loved to travel and spent many short vacations seeing the U.S.A. After John retired they enjoyed visiting New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Greece, Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John; her son, Robert Hartley Howe; her sister, Zelma Jeanne Hartley and her best friend Meow Howe. She is survived by her daughter Jeanne Hargett (Oats) of Hamilton; grandson Chris (Jeanne) and their children Anna, Cleo and Ryan of Arlington, VA; grandson Bill (Gemma) and their son Ethan of Colorado; nephew George Howe of Maryland; niece Pat Howe of California; a few cousins and many wonderful friends.

At June's request no public services will be held. The family suggests memorials to her church, United Methodist American Baptist Church, at 201 N. 6th ST. Hamilton, MT 59840, Hospice Care at Marcus Daly Hospital or to donor's choice of Charity.