Gayle L. (Sidehamer) Howells

Gayle L. (Sidehamer) Howells, dearly beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, of Scottdale, was born into eternal life on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the age of 90.

Gayle was born on December 12, 1930 in Mount Pleasant, PA, the youngest child to the late George H. and Adelaide (Moser) Sidehamer. As a lady of tremendous faith, she was a lifelong, active, and faithful member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant. She was a 1948 graduate of East Huntingdon High School. Following graduation, Gayle graduated from the Greensburg School of Business and became a dedicated and accomplished Office Manager at the Mount Pleasant Journal newspaper. Following her departure from the Journal, after the birth of her son, her position had to be filled by three new hires in order to fill her shoes to maintain the responsibilities of her position. Gayle then became a dedicated and accomplished Pharmacy Technician at the former Gunsallus and Armor Pharmacy and subsequent Armor Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant until her retirement in 1992; and thereafter, occasionally helping on a part-time basis. She enjoyed her time there helping others become well. Over the years, she was a skilled, talented, and immaculate cook and baker, preparing delicious and beautiful meals and goodies. In her retirement she loved spending time with her siblings at the homeplace on Morewood Street; especially time spent in the kitchen with her sister planning, preparing, and hosting weekly family Sunday and holiday dinners, and baking desserts, breads, and hundreds of cookies, especially at Christmastime, to share with and deliver to local loved ones and friends. Following weekly Sunday morning church worship, she enjoyed spending time with her "breakfast club" at the local McDonald's for breakfast, coffee, and fellowship. She enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, being on-the-go, shopping, keeping in touch with family and friends, and savoring a steaming hot cup of black coffee. Most importantly, she spent countless joyful hours caring for her loving and grateful son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, whom she adored, as they did her. She was a strong woman and never offered a complaint. She exhibited endless generosity and hard work by lending a helping hand and offering her love and kindness to everyone she knew. Her warm, comforting, joyful, and calming personality was always a pleasure to be with whether that be while having a conversation, relaxing, offering advice, sharing stories, playing games, working outside, or sharing meals together. Gayle was a true inspiration and deeply treasured by her loving and devoted family, and she will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, Gayle was predeceased by her loving husband of 33 years, Jack R. Howells, whom she married on August 14, 1964, her sister Gwendolyn (Gwen) Sidehamer Hough and husband Jacob, brother Kenneth (Ken) Sidehamer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mr. and Mrs. James and Geraldine (Johnson) Howells, sister-in-law Marlene Howells, several cousins, and many friends. Left behind to cherish and honor Gayle's legacy and memory with love and grateful hearts are her son, Timothy R. Howells and wife Cynthia A. (DeMonte) Howells, grandson Bradley D. Howells, granddaughter Brianna C. Howells, all of Scottdale, nieces Kathy Alt of Latrobe, and Kimberly Sidehamer Watkins (Rick) of Mahwah, NJ, nephew Kenneth Hough (Karen) of Latrobe, great nieces and nephews, several cousins, and many friends, especially Millie Giles of Youngwood and dear friend and "sister" Louise Greene of Greensburg.

Funeral arrangements are under the professional supervision of the SALOOM-REGA FUNERAL SERVICE, 730 W. Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Family and friends are invited to attend Gayle's Memorial Service on Friday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant (822 W. Main Street) with the Reverend Peter Nordby officiating. Wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing is required while in the church. Memorial donations in Gayle's name may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant. Love you forever! Please visit Gayles' s online memorial at www.saloom-rega.com to sign the condolence guestbook. Richard Rega, funeral director.

Richard RegaSaloom-Rega Funeral Service730 W. Main Street Mount Pleasant, PA 15666724-547-2122fax:724-547-5199
saloomfs@verizon.net