Ruth L. Howell, age 72, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 12, 1953, in Elyria, Ohio, Ruth was the cherished daughter of the late Willie D. and Corine Mitchel-Burns. A proud graduate high Elyria High School in 19, Ruth dedicated over 20 years of her life to preparing meals in various nursing homes throughout the Mansfield area, where her warmth and care touched many lives.

On February 2, 1974, Ruth married the love of her life, Eddie Howell. The couple made their home in Mansfield, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Ruth was a devoted member of the Breath of Life Church, where she found joy and purpose singing in the choir and participating in gospel groups. Her love language was expressed through food and song—she delighted in cooking for her family and filling her home with the sounds of gospel music.

Though Ruth and Eddie did not have children of their own, she embraced the role of a mother to many of her nieces and nephews, including Trinity Burns, whom she helped raise with deep love and devotion.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Willie D. Burns and Corine Burns in addition to her siblings: Moses Burns, Jimmy Burns, Margie Burns, Willie G Burns, Charlie Joe Burns, Corine Love, Duffy Mae Todd, Barbara Joe Jenkins, Eugene Burns, Leroy Burns, and Moses Burns.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ruth's life on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Powerhouse Worship Center, 47 Delaware Street, Lexington, Ohio 44905. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Ruth will be laid to rest at Grove Street Cemetery in New London, Ohio.

The Howell family is being served by Eastman Funeral Home in New London. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.