Eleanor Yvonne Wilson Howell passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2009, after a short illness. Eleanor was born on September 8, 1931, to Dewey and Dovie Wilson in Omaha, Arkansas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dewey Wilson, and a sister, Carolyn Wilson. Eleanor married the love of her life, Bill Howell, on December 28, 1984. As educators and activist in community work, Eleanor and Bill labored side by side in local, state, and national education work, community betterment, and church work. Eleanor was educated in a one-room schoolhouse where her mother was the teacher. In 1944, at the age of 13, she left home to attend School of the Ozarks when it was still a high school. A life-long learner, Eleanor pursued advanced degrees, receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State College, a Master's of Science in Education and a Specialist degree in reading from University of Missouri. Eleanor loved teaching and spent 35 years teaching elementary children in several districts around the state of Missouri. She was a past Springfield Teacher of the Year and finalist for Missouri Teacher of the Year. Upon retirement, Eleanor continued to substitute teach for several years. Eleanor had a servant's heart and volunteered countless hours serving others. Eleanor was a member of the Christian County Elks. Eleanor served as president of the women's auxiliary, then joined the Elks and became Exalted Ruler. In her role as Exalted Ruler, Eleanor was instrumental in procuring grants for $10,000 and $400 for the Women's Violence Center of Ozark among other accomplishments. Eleanor served in many educational organizations. She was the past president of the Springfield chapter of Missouri State Teachers' Association, past president of the Springfield Area Retired Teachers' Association, served on the Springfield Public Schools Foundation Board, and was the chairman of the scholarship committee at College of the Ozarks. She was active in Alpha Delta Kappa, honorary sorority for teachers, since 1974 holding many positions in the sorority including the state presidency. Currently, she was serving as president elect of Missouri Retired Teachers' Association. Eleanor was an active member of Cassidy United Methodist Church and served in the music ministry. Eleanor is survived by her husband, Bill Howell; her sister Frieda Hornback of Springfield and Alyce and Lavon Cooper of Bucyrus, Missouri; step-children Kate Gordon, husband Richard of Manila, Philippines; Craig Howell and Kelly of Springfield, Tim Howell, wife Cheryl of Blue Springs, Missouri; Terri Long, husband Bud of Woodstock, Virginia; Susan Bueno of Springfield, and Sandy Schaffer, husband , Steve of Noonan, Georgia. Eleanor had seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, and a host of devoted friends. Eleanor was a devoted to her family and her friends. She will be remembered for her energy, her passion for life, and her giving spirit. She leaves a legacy of memories for those who loved her. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the funeral home with burial to follow in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to College of the Ozarks Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726 or Missouri Retired Teachers Building Fund, 3030 DuPont Circle, Jefferson City, MO 65109.