Jane Howard lost her battle with brain cancer on July 7, 2017, after being diagnosed in November of 2015. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at Eidsness Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
Jane Miranda Wilson was born Dec. 31, 1946, in Kenmare, N.D., to Glenn and Marion (Woodall) Wilson. She grew up in Bowbells, N.D, and graduated high school in 1964.
Jane continued her education at North Dakota State University and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and later completed a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from South Dakota State University.
Jane married Richard Howard on April 2, 1977. They made their home in Brookings with their two children: Jacque and Lance.
She started her career as an Extension Home Economist for Roberts County and later Brown County, where she was instrumental in the implementation of the EFNEP Nutrition Program in South Dakota.
In 1972, Jane moved to Brookings to be the Executive Secretary of the South Dakota Dairy Council traveling across the state to promote the importance of dairy products in a well-balanced diet for the youth of South Dakota. In the 1970’s, Jane with the help of others, founded the S.D. Nutrition Council. Later, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Nutrition and Food Science Department at South Dakota State University and a substitute teacher for the Brookings School District. She finished her career as the Director of the SDSU Extension Service EFNEP Program until her retirement in 2005. Jane strongly believed in education and the importance of nutrition. She was appreciated by her peers and students as an accomplished and effective teacher.
Jane had a strong passion for service and volunteering. She was a dedicated volunteer for the First United Methodist Church and strongly believed in the mission of the Harvest Table. Jane was also a member of the PEO Chapter P, United Methodist Women, and the Brookings County Home Economists.
In 1978, Jane served as State President of the South Dakota State Home Economists Association. In her spare time, Jane enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking, baking, and traveling. She also enjoyed hosting holiday parties in her home for family, friends, and coworkers. Jane was a very loving and active grandmother to her four grandchildren and made many trips to Silverdale, Washington to visit the oldest three.
She was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Marion Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Richard Howard of Brookings, her two children: Jacque (Jeremiah) Story of Silverdale, Wash., and Lance (Abigail) Howard of Brookings, and her four grandchildren: Natalie, Landon, and Madelynn Story of Silverdale, Wash., and Truman Howard of Brookings.
Jane will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a great friend and inspiration to those around her.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Eidsness Funeral Home of Brookings. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund or charity of choice.
Jane’s family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic, Avera Hospital, Brookings Health Systems, and the United Living Community of Brookings for their compassion and excellent care.
The family would also like to thank countless friends and family for their thoughts and prayers throughout Jane’s struggle with cancer.
