Dona Grace Howe

Dona Grace Rorex Howe of Shreveport, Louisiana (formerly of Panhandle and Amarillo, Texas) died on June 16, 2023 after a lengthy illness.  Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24 at the Panhandle Cemetery.  She will lie in state at the First Baptist Church parlor on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Dona was born August 14, 1938 to Iris Bender Rorex and Frank Rorex of Panhandle, Texas.  She graduated from Panhandle High School in 1956.  Dona married her high school sweetheart, Johnny Ed Howe in 1958.  They would have three children and finally settle in Lodi, Texas.  Dona started at a young age in the farming and ranching life and continued ranching while living in Lodi.  She was a multi-talented lady.  She was an accomplished piano player and taught piano lessons.  Dona was a very talented artist, and  owned and operated the Lazy Daisy Arts and Crafts store in Jefferson, Texas where she taught art classes.  She graduated at the top of her class at Texarkana College with a degree as a Registered Nurse.  Dona spent her professional career for over 20 years as head night nurse in the Trauma Unit at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.  After retirement she spent the remainder of her life doing the things she loved such as reading, sewing beautiful children’s clothes, and amazing crafts of all types. 

The family would like for Dona to be remembered for her caring for all people and her love of animals. 

Survivors include her children, Kimberly Ratley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jay Don Howe of Marshall, Texas, Johnny Wade Howe and Jennifer of Lodi, Texas and Shannon Howe, special daughter-in-law of Marshall, Texas; sisters, Diane Spradlin of Dallas and Tina Brandon of Amarillo; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Dona is preceded in death by her parents, Iris and Leroy (step-father) Walcher; father, Frank Rorex; grandparents, Jesse and Grace Bender and Joe and Lydia Rorex.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Tracy, Hunter, Shaun,  Sharon and Thomas at the Gables Assisted Living in Shreveport for their care and friendship.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity, if you wish.