Rita Howell

Rita Howell, 85, passed away on March 29, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Rita was born on October 20, 1931 in Old Mines, MO to Lester D. and Barbara (Boyer) Bequette. She was in the Potosi High School Class of 1949. She married Syd Bourbon in 1950 and they moved to Casper in 1961. Rita later married Mert Howell in 1975 and they were together until Mert's death in 2008. Rita was Tom Stroock's personal assistant at Stroock Leasing Corp. for thirty two years until she retired in 1996. She and Mert accompanied Tom to Guatemala when he was named Ambassador in 1989 and they lived there for three years, learning Spanish and welcoming many of their friends and family to the country. They enjoyed traveling all of Central America while they were there and acquired many interesting friends and artifacts along the way. Rita was an accomplished gardener and her home was featured many times in the various garden shows in Casper. She and Mert loved to travel and they hit every antique shop they encountered. She was a fantastic cook and hostess, and backyard barbeques were a summertime staple at the Howell residence for many years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and they all held a special place in her heart. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Celestine Roderick and Pat Gaylord; husband, Mert Howell; son, Kent Bourbon; daughter, Kelly Howell Joice; and grandson, Dallas Southward. She is survived by her sons, Alan Bourbon and Jeff Howell; daughter, Chris Harrison; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews. Please join us in celebrating Rita's life on Saturday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. at Bustard's Funeral Home.