Barbara Ann Howlett

Barbara Ann Howlett

83, of Jackson, MI, passed away at her home on February 2, 2026, with family by her side. Barbara is survived by her daughters Pennie (Joe) Rutan, Karen Stowell (John Ucci), Ann Titus; grandchildren Andy (Jourdan) Rutan, Sarah (Tyler) Ogden; great grandchildren Brantley Ogden, Kira Ogden, Everleigh Rutan, Kinsleigh Rutan, Allie Ogden, Charleigh Rutan; sister-in-law Roberta Timmreck; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Elizabeth Timmreck; husband R. Keith Howlett; siblings Thomas (Mary Ann) Timmreck, Daniel Timmreck, Charles Timmreck, Elaine Timmreck.

Barbara was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on October 12, 1942.  She grew up in Rochester, graduating from Rochester High School in 1961.  She married Francis Podolski on July 15, 1962.  Barbara was a homemaker, part-time school bus driver, and loving mother to her three daughters.  In 1982 she joined Ann Arbor Public Schools, where she worked as a custodian until her retirement in 2001.  She married R. Keith Howlett on October 2, 1994, and was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church for many years.

Barbara's love of horses followed her from childhood, and she shared this with her daughters.  Her horses, dogs, and cats held a special place in her heart.  She had a green thumb, growing everything from vegetables to beautiful flowers.  Her creativity could be seen throughout every home she lived in.  She loved antiques and made her family's home warm and welcoming.  She enjoyed sewing, painting, crocheting, music, dancing, and especially spending time with family and friends, including the kids in her neighborhood.  She loved her grandkids and great grands immensely.  Barbara was known as the "Bling Lady," loving everything sparkly, especially her shiny black truck with bling accents that she created herself.  She was an excellent, creative cook and made the best cheesecakes.  Barbara had a very generous heart of gold.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Robert Pienta officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the Mass from 9:30 until 10:00 AM.  An entombment will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at our secondary location, Hampton Funeral Home, 4204 Ann Arbor Road in Jackson on Thursday, February 5 from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 5:00 PM.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 136 Years