Melinda Jo Howard

Melinda Jo Howard, 73, of Cedarville went home to be with her Father in Heaven after passing away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, September 19, 2022. She was born on June 4, 1949 in Gary, IN, the first born of William and Rosemary (Cummer) McNiece, both who preceded her in death. Melinda spent her childhood with her younger brother and sister in Indiana before moving to Ohio to attend Cedarville College where she graduated with majors in English and Speech/Communications in 1971. The following year Melinda married Lynn Howard on September 2, 1972 with the couple recently celebrating 50 years of loving marriage earlier this month. In addition to being known for her steadfast faith and devotion to her three kids and eight grandchildren, Melinda will be remembered for her patience, humility, and care for others. She was a consistent source of encouragement in her work as well, including in her year of teaching at Faith Academy in the Philippines, her 15 years with the Cedarville University library, and five years in the Student Ministries office at Grace Baptist Church. Melinda was an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville where she and Lynn have been members for over 50 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children: Jeremy (Amber) Howard of Mason, OH, Jennifer (Jerrel) Brubaker of Lewisburg, PA, and Jason (Mandi) Howard of La Grange, IL; eight grandchildren: Garrett and Brooklyn Howard, Grady, Laine, and Piper Brubaker, and Braelyn, Braxton, and Bryce Howard; and two siblings: William “Buddy” (Linda) McNiece and Wendy (David) Stoner.

Public visitation will be at Grace Baptist Church, 109 N. Main Street, Cedarville, OH, 45314 on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10:00 AM-12:00PM with the funeral service to follow beginning at Noon with Pastor Brian Hanson officiating. Services will be live streamed and can be found by visiting https://youtube.com/c/gracecedarvilleorgplus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melinda’s honor to the Grace Baptist Children’s Ministry at the address above or online at www.gracecedarville.org. Arrangements in care of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center, Springfield. Condolences may be expressed to her family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.