Dorothy Mae Howell of Umatilla passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Sept. 6, 2026 at the age of 83.
She was born on July 23, 1943 in Emmett, Idaho to Robert Earl and Cora Elizabeth Thompson Sloan.
Dorothy and her two brothers, Roy and Ken, spent their early years in Emmett, Idaho. The family moved to Huntington when Dorothy was 7 or 8 years old. She became very close to her cousins as they all grew up together and spent a lot of time together getting into trouble. Her family moved to Hermiston when she was in middle school.
Dorothy married John Franklin Thomas, who was serving in the U.S. Navy, on Dec. 19, 1959. The couple had two sons, Bob and Randy Thomas. Unfortunately, John preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 1963.
Dorothy later met Delford Leon Earl and the couple were united in marriage on May 29, 1965. From this union two children were born, David and Lisa. The couple later divorced in 1985.
Dorothy worked at the sawmill in Pilot Rock, for K-Mart, and the junior high school in Pendleton.
Dorothy met Tom Howell while working at the sawmill in Pilot Rock. The couple were married on July 4, 1993. The couple were a big part of the Main Street Cowboys for several years. Tom preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2012 after 19 years of marriage.
Dorothy loved to travel and had traveled throughout the U.S., as well as a trip to Japan with husband Tom. She had traveled with her daughter, Lisa to Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida, California and even to Montana to visit Yellowstone National Park. She loved camping with her family and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She loved working in her yard and tending to her flower beds. She will be forever missed but will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
She is survived by a brother, Ken Sloan; son, Bob Thomas; son, David Earl; daughter, Lisa Connery; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandkids.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Cora Sloan; brother, Roy Sloan; son, Randy Thomas; and grandson, Brandon Warren.
A family graveside service was held at the Hermiston Cemetery, as well as a celebration of life potluck.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
