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Ellen (Coston) Howard was born August 23rd, 1941, in Oklahoma City to Louis Buford Coston and Ida Agnes (Spell) Coston. Ellen was the youngest of four children: Buford, Dora, Vernon and Ellen. Unfortunately, she lost her father when she was only 9 years of age.
Ellen graduated from Classen High School in 1959. She was an honor student and was active in music, performing in several Broadway musicals.
Ellen married Glen Howard just a few months after graduation at the age of 17. They welcomed their first child into the family 13 months later, their lovely daughter, Brenda, followed by three handsome sons over the next 12 years: David, Todd and Chris.
Ellen’s skills in music, typing and shorthand along with her knowledge in business made her an outstanding secretary. In the early 1970s, she served as the personal secretary to Southwestern College President W. R. Corvin.
Although a busy young pastor’s wife and mother in Rolla, Kansas, Ellen chose to return to college at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. In 1969, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education and Home Economics at Central State University (UCO). Ellen was on the President’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s Honor Roll.
Ellen’s greatest love was her family and the ministry she and her husband experienced, serving on three continents as pastor, teacher and missionary.
Glen and Ellen moved to Manila, Philippines in 1983 serving as directors of Manila Bible Institute. Ellen was the business manager of the school and directed the fund-raising efforts.
In 1990, they moved to Budapest, Hungary serving as church planters and senior pastors of the International Church of Budapest.
Ellen was the secretary to the Board of Association of International Churches in Europe and the Middle East and traveled to meetings throughout Europe including Switzerland, France, Turkey and Germany. One of her fondest memories was a meeting in East Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ellen was riding alone in a large British cab through the Brandenburg Gate, thinking to herself that she was possibly the only person from Oklahoma to experience such a moment.
In 2000, Glen and Ellen returned to the states where Ellen served as an assistant to the Music Director at First Methodist Church in downtown Oklahoma City.
Ellen enjoyed reuniting with family and friends in the US, and established a beautiful home in Edmond, Oklahoma. She took every opportunity to visit her kids and grandkids, especially for any special family events.
Surrounded by her family, Ellen peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Ellen is survived by her husband of 63 years, four children (Brenda and Ken, David and Lori, Todd and Carine, Chris and Becky), 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is mourned by a myriad host of relatives and friends, literally from around the world.
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Dale Gentry says
December 13, 2022 at 2:02 pmEllen Howard was our friend and was one of the most gracious ladies we have ever known. The word I would describe is excellence! Everything she did was with excellence. We are thankful to have known her and cherish her memory of being faithful to her husband, her family, her call and to her God. We will see her again.Our love and prayers to you Glen and the Howard family that we dearly love.
Dale & Jean Gentry
Austin, Texas
Vicki White says
December 13, 2022 at 4:41 pmDennis and I are so incredibly sorry for this tremendous loss. Ellen was a strong Christian, a loving wife and mother, and a devoted friend to so many. We are definitely praying for Glen and the family and friends.
Stephen Howard Turner says
December 14, 2022 at 9:03 amThank you for notifying us Glen. Jo and I were so sorry to hear of Ellen’s death and your tremendous loss. But, we rejoice in knowing that she is at home with Jesus. We so enjoyed our time with you, Ellen and family while stationed at Clark AB in the Philippines. Sending our love and prayers to you, Glen and the Howard family.
Love,
Steve and Jo Turner
185 S Quail Tracks Rd
Dewey, AZ 86327
Mary Gorman says
December 14, 2022 at 2:05 pmWe extend our condolences to Glen and the family on the passing of a beautiful Christian lady who was a friend and fellow missionary. Ellen’s smile would always light up the room and her gracious ways were always much appreciated. May the Lord comfort all who had the privilege of knowing Ellen. Our prayers go out to the family.
Dr & Mrs Roger D. Gorman
Sharon and T.J. Austin says
December 15, 2022 at 10:22 amA quiet, diligent, devoted daughter of the Lord….a beautiful servant in every sense of the term. Ellen was one of those people often behind the scenes, who actually made things work and progress. Our lives are so much richer for her presence in them. How she will be missed…but what joy in heaven!
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