Born January 29th, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia to Olie Sherman and Emilie Bandy. The oldest of five children (Lynn, Louie, Mary and Beth), she was an excellent student and attended college at age 16. She graduated from Florida Southern University with two bachelor's degrees (Music and English) at age 18. That year, 1950, she went on to represent Lakeland in the Miss Florida pageant.  

 

On April 3rd, 1953, she wed W. T. ‘Bill’ Howard and together they had 3 sons; Samuel B. Howard (Drema), Timothy R. Howard, and Paul Lee Howard (Laura). She was predeceased by her husband on January 6th, 2001, and is survived by her sons and their wives and 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and her beloved dog, ‘Radar’.    

 

Ruth later received a master's degree in library science from Rutgers University. She worked as a school librarian at Lake Weir High School (Fl). Bound Brook Elementary and Dunnellon High School. She was also a school musical accompanist during her years at Dunnellon. A lifelong professional pianist she spent 25 years after her retirement as the pianist for Ocala West United Methodist. During that time, she was also a partner in the Sparr Building and Farm Supply.  

Ruth Howard was generous, kind, and loved by all who met her. She had a wonderful sense of humor, love of family, and enjoyed many Ocala restaurants. She will be greatly missed and not forgotten.  

 

Ruth Howard passed on December 17th, 2025. Visitation will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home 910 E. Silver Springs Boulevard from noon to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. There will be a service at the graveside following visitation. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:  

St. Paul’s Methodist Church (Ocala)  

Hospice of Marion County