Sandra Jo (Haalck) Howard

Sandra Jo (Haalck) Howard, 79, Chili, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, September 4, 2025, at her residence.

Born September 6, 1945, in Peru, Indiana, she was the daughter of J. Rex & Winifred M. (Marsh) Haalck. On April 2, 1966, in Peru, Indiana, she was married to W. Curtis Howard, and he survives.

Sandra graduated from North Miami High School in 1963 and retired in 2007 from GDX (General Tire) in Wabash, Indiana. She enjoyed reading a good book, sewing, quilting, baking, or just relaxing in her chair watching a random tv show that most people would never think she enjoyed. A lover of nature, Sandra could be found in her flower beds tending to her lavender, or just inside watching the many hummingbirds buzzing around their freshly filled feeders. Sometimes, when a hummingbird had an unfortunate encounter with a window, it would find itself in Sandra’s care inside. Her love for animals was evident with her pet racoons and the many strays she took in over the years, but almost no one was important to her as her beloved teacup Maltese (favorite child), Ophelia Grace.

Survivors include her husband, Curt Howard, Chili; two daughters, Angela Murphy, Mexico; and Shannon Cole, Kokomo; four grandchildren, Devan (Andrea) Cole; Derek (Stephanie) Cole; Jacob Murphy; Gracie Murphy; four great grandchildren, Jamison, Garrison, Grayson, and Walker; sister-in-law, Joyce Haalck; brother-in-law, Brian Eikenberry; and many relatives and friends that she held dear to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dan Haalck; sister, Della Eikenberry; and a dog named Kevin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with her grandson, Devan Cole, officiating. Burial will follow in Chili Cemetery, Chili, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.