Lois G. Howarth

Lois G. Howarth, 92, died March 25, 2009 in an Oregon City, Ore., hospital following an extended illness.

She was born in Axtell (Marshall County), Kan., on Jan. 14, 1917, the daughter of William Hallock and Lottie Belle (Packard) McAtee.

She had lived in Montana, Washington and Oregon. She was a homemaker most of her life, however, she worked as a waitress for many years in Libby prior to managing the VFW in Libby. During World War II, she was “Rosie-the-Rivetor” in the Tacoma (Wash.) Shipyards. Following the war, she was also a public transportation bus driver on the West Coast.

She married her first husband, John Totten, in 1932 and they later divorced in 1944. She remarried in 1945 to Joseph Tilley and he died in 1954. On July 3, 1958, she married James Howarth in Stevenson, Wash. He died on Feb. 26, 2001.

Mrs. Howarth was active in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and was a life member of both the auxiliary and VFW. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion Auxiliary and a life member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. She was also an associate life member of the 351st Bomb Group, 8th Air Force.

Preceding her in death were two sons, Clifton Totten of Calder, Idaho; and Jerry Totten of Tumwater, Wash.

She is survived by son, John James Totten of Livermore, Calif.; daughter, Shirley M. Inman of Molalla, Ore.; son, Virgil T. Totten of Libby; a brother, Dale McAtee of Bellingham, Wash.; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service was held March 28 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Molalla, Ore. Interment was private. Those who wish to send memorials can do so in her memory to the Fast Offering Fund in care of the church.

The Molalla Funeral Chapel handled arrangements.