SALT LAKE CITY — Ruth Marie Sheya Howa, 91, died Dec. 6, at home surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born June 8, 1917, to James A. and Alma Sheya in Helper. She moved to Salt Lake City in 1927, where she graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in 1935. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Continental Insurance Agency where she spent seven years as an office manager and assistant to the president. She married Joseph P. Howa in 1945. They were married 58 years. He preceded her in death in 2003. In 1951, she and Joe started the Joseph P. Howa Construction Co., where she was instrumental in its success for the next 50 years. A decision was never made without her advice and consent. She was a loving mother of four. Howa was a proud member of the Catholic Woman’s League, Salt Lake Country Club, Comanche Ladies Lunch Group, and her longest running membership, the monthly bridge group. In her travels, she saw the world and was always ready to go anywhere anytime. Her specialty was Lebanese cuisine and she taught her family how to make the most difficult dishes. She is survived by her children, Susan Kooyman, Richard (Lisa) Howa, Sally (Cy) Sherwood, Thomas (Jo Ann) Howa; grandchildren, Michael (Tina) Kooyman, Kristin (Travis) Mason, JR Howa, Zachary Howa, Joseph (Sarah) Sherwood, Nicole Sherwood, Thomas Sherwood, Taylor Mullin; three great-grandchildren, Raehil Mason, Sophia and Nicholas Udy; three sisters, Isabell, Rosalilne, and Edna. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. Committal was in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
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