Polly Howes, 97, of Goshen, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 15, 2022 at her home.

Polly was born on August 24, 1924 in Salyersville, KY to the late Reverend Byrd and Jonie (Patrick) Poe. She was married to the late Curtis Howes on December 25, 1941. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis on August 14, 2002; her daughter, Joyce Ott on March 13, 2022; son-in-law, Gregg Pletcher; brothers, Robert Poe, Noble Poe, and Paul Poe; sisters, Marie Salyer, Leneva Arnett, Bonnie Poe, and Wilma Jean Bradford; and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Pletcher of Goshen; son-in-law, Tom Ott; brothers, Silas Poe and Henry Poe; sister, Emma Jo (Jerry) Britton; sister-in-law, Billie Poe; grandchildren, Traci (Ott) Warren, Jeff (Abbi) Ott, Lisa (Layne) Foldesi, and Monty (Michele) Layne; great grandchildren, Jack Warren, Curtis Warren, Faith Warren, Cora Ott, Chris Layne, Dominic (Libbi) Layne, Brandon Layne, Alison (Foldesi) Pierce, and Francine Foldesi; great great grandchildren, Addy Crabtree, Mila Pierce, and Parker Layne; along with many additional family members and friends.

Family was everything to Polly. She was a hard worker raised in the hills of Kentucky who helped take care of her 9 siblings growing up. Polly was a member of Little Pine Church in Goshen for many years. She loved to sing along to Gospel and country music and was even known on occasion to “dance a jig.” Polly was a phenomenal cook best known for her biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings and homemade fudge. She enjoyed sewing, making quilts and crafts, canning and loved watching the birds.

For over 20 years, she looked forward to spending the winter in Florida with her family. She loved traveling with the family on RV and camping trips to Cedar Point, Myrtle Beach, and Key West.   She always gave great advice to, “slow down, be still, get something to eat, and wear your coat.” Most of all, Polly loved the Lord and spent her last days praying and talking to him.  

Polly was a caring woman who always put others before herself.  

A Funeral Service for Polly will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 with Rev. Terry Bradford officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service from 11:00am - 12:00pm in the funeral home.

A Graveside Service and burial will follow the funeral service at Southlawn Cemetery, 61430 U.S. 31 S., South, Bend, IN 46614.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Polly’s name to the loving care received from https://hearttohearthospice.com/

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory, or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.  Psalm 55:6