Alma Ruth (Miller) Howdyshell

Alma Ruth Howdyshell, 91, of Dayton, Virginia passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Brookdale Assisted Living.

She was born on May 25, 1935 and was a daughter of the late Paul and Beulah (Puffenbarger) Miller.

Alma was an active member of Briery Branch Church of the Brethren, and had served on numerous church board's and committee's. She enjoyed visiting church members, friends and neighbors. She had worked for the FBI and at the Bridgewater Retirement Community. Following her retirement she volunteered with the reading program at Ottobine Elementary School, and helped head up the re-run shop at Bridgewater Retirement Community. She was an avid reader, loved to travel and watch Christian TV programs.

Alma was united in marriage on July 21, 1956 to Franklin Dee Howdyshell , who preceded her in death on October 27, 2016.

Alma is survived by her sons, Douglas (Julie) Howdyshell, and James "Jim" Howdyshell; brother, Ken (Sue) Miller; sister, Catherine Showalter; grandchildren, Jenny (Wyatt) Yates, and Cara (Paul) Valentine; great grandchildren, Annalise Valentine, Emma Yates, Kenna Valentine, and Ava Yates and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, P. Nelson Miller & wife Carol; and brother-in-law, Wade Showalter.

A service celebrating Alma's life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Briery Branch Church of the Brethren with Randy Cosner officiating. Burial will be at 10:00 AM at Briery Branch Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater to pay their respects. The family will receive friends following the service in the Briery Branch Activities Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clover Hill Fire & Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater.