Ruth Nichols Howard

AIKEN - Ruth Nichols Howard, 90, passed Friday, November 21, 2008, at her home in Aiken. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken. The Revs Dr. David Cozad and Mrs. Martha Ebel will officiate. The memorial service will be followed by an organ and harpsichord recital in the church sanctuary as a tribute to Mrs. Howard’s love of music. The memorial service and recital will be followed by a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Ben Hogan Room at Houndslake Country Club in Aiken. The reception will be hosted by Mrs. Howard’s son, Norman Howard, Jr. Anyone who wishes to pay respect to Mrs. Howard is welcome to attend the reception. Ruth Howard was the loving wife of Norman J. Howard and beloved mother of Susan Howard and Norman Howard, Jr. Mrs. Howard was predeceased by her husband Norman and her daughter Susan. She is survived by her son, Norman Howard, Jr., 12788 Captains Cove, Woodbridge, VA 22192. Since moving to Aiken in 1951 Mrs. Howard was active in many civic, music and cultural organizations. Mrs. Howard was a private piano teacher in Aiken for over 30 years. She was a member of the Augusta Symphony in which she played the viola for 27 years and was a member of the Aiken String Ensemble. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at which she was the Director of children’s choirs for many years. In addition, she was a member of Houndslake Country Club and AAUW, Aiken Branch. Mrs. Howard graduated from Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She had a double major in music and art. In addition, she completed some graduate courses in music at the University of Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Aiken, 224 Barnwell Avenue NW, Aiken, SC 29801. Mrs. Howard’s online guest book can be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc. 924 Hayne Avenue, Aiken, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Nichols Howard, please visit our flower store.