Delma Joyal (Leidig) Howland was received by the waiting arms of her Lord on June 30, 2012 in Yukon, OK. She was born to Issac Purl and Wennona Adenda (Moon) Leidig on May 18, 1917 in Washington, KS. Delma grew up on the family farm north of Washington, KS and taught in a one room school house upon high school graduation. Delma fell in love with a young man, Ernest Howland, whom her father had hired. They were married for 60 years before he passed away October 12, 2001. To this union, three children were born: Beverly, Marilyn, and Larry. Upon the birth of their third child, they answered God's call to the ministry, sold the farm, and moved to Bethany, OK to continue their education. Delma graduated from Bethany Nazarene College (currently Southern Nazarene University) with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Rosston, OK; Laverne, OK; McCook, NE; Superior, NE; Hominy and Drumright, OK. Always the faithful minister's wife, Delma shared Ernest's ministry with the Church of the Nazarene. She was an organist, Sunday school teacher, cookie baker, etc. In 1982, they retired and returned to Bethany, OK. Serving was a part of Delma's retirement years, helping deliver Meals on Wheels, rocking babies at The Children's Center, visiting nursing homes and taking devotional and scripture materials to those who no longer could attend church services. Delma had the most caring and giving heart with a bit of humor and orneriness. Living in her home until the age of 94, you never left her house without a bag of goodies. Delma loved her family and friends, demonstrating this daily through her caring Christian life. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Ernest Howland, brother Cecil Leidig, son Rev. Larry P. Howland, and granddaughter Michelle. She leaves behind daughter Beverly and husband Eddie Lundy of Yukon, OK; daughter Marilyn and husband Vergil Smith of Marietta, OK; daughter-in-law Judy and husband Larry Rumbaugh of Yukon, OK; sister Marcella Jeffers of Frederick, MD; grandchildren Kristina, Nicole, Crystal, Ginny, Paige, Stephanie and Ryan; 10 great grandchildren; multiple nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends. The family would like to thank Carter Hospice and Ranchwood Nursing Center for their care and kindness to Delma in her final earthly days. Viewing will be from 9am to 9pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Mercer-Adams with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial contributions to the donor's choice. Chapel Service Thursday, July 5, 2012 02:00 AM - 03:00 AM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008