Ann Howard Hale

Ann Howard Hale May 17, 1928 February 4, 2011 Ann Howard Hale, 82, of Bellmead, passed away Friday, February 4, 2011. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 8, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with burial at Axtell Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 7 in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Ann was born May 17, 1928, in Waco, to Earl and Lela Smith Howard. She married E.J. "Pop" Hale in 1946, and after 50 years together, he preceded her in death in 1997. She was a devoted, loving, caring, and gentle daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a good Christian woman and friend to all who knew her. Ann was a former employee of Lewis Shoe Store. She was very active in the LaVega PTO where she served as president of the high school PTO. She was a dedicated blood donor and volunteer for the American Red Cross. Ann also served as a sponsor for Overeaters Anonymous for many years. She was a member of Bellmead First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, E.J.; son, Mark Hale; and brothers, Bill, J.R., and David Howard. Ann leaves behind three loving children; Beverly and husband, David Lindsey, of Nederland, Texas; Wayne Jack Hale of Bellmead; and Lance Hale and wife, Christy, of Waco; seven treasured grandchildren and fifteen adoring great-grandchildren; brothers Charles Howard of Oklahoma City, and Harold Howard of Wichita, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends. Her work on this earth has ended, but her love will live in our hearts forever. She taught us the importance of family, to be considerate of others, to be loyal and patient, to enjoy the little things in life, and that we could do anything we set our minds to. She gave a little piece of herself to each of us, and every kind word we say, every kind deed that we do will reflect what she taught us. Our thoughts are with her today, our hearts are with her always. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey