Clara May Howard, 74, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, passed Wednesday, December  6, 2017, at Altoona Center for Nursing Care.  She was born to Clarance Shamp, and Eleanor (Blake) Shamp, July 13, 1943, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

She married Franklin L. Howard Jr  July 13, 1962, and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2012. Surviving is her son Franklin L. Howard III, wife Amy (Spears) and their sons Sean and Matthew, sister Phyllis Shamp, nieces Renee Beere, Trina with husband Scott Adams, sister-in-law  Beatrice Blake,  nephew Scott Blake, and nieces Pamela Smyth and Samantha Colon, and many great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother Frank L. Blake on December 30, 2015.

Clara worked at Kings Restuarant until she retired in 2015, She served in the Army 5th Signal,  SP-4 at Fort Polk, Louisiana until 1979.  She received her Diploma for Communication Equipment Operator January 1978 at the United States Army Signal School. She continued to support Hospitalized  Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and received many Patriot National Roll of Honor Certificates and Patriot of the Year Awards for her support and service. She also,  previously received her Cosmetology  Certificate in 1975 and her Nurses Aide Certificate in 1969. She was passionate about affecting the most positive change in people and helping those around her in any way possible. 

She enjoyed playing Bingo, cards and watching her grandchildren and nieces in sports and other activities.  She looked forward to spending time with her family.  She loved traveling to Virginia to visit her Son and his family whenever possible!

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends,  and her cat Maya who loved her very much.

There will be Graveside Services by Pastor Darin Ritchey at Rosehill Cemetery, Altoona, PA on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Good's Funeral home, Altoona, Pa.