Ada Mae Howe

Ada Mae Howe, 101, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 28, 2021.  She was born on March 13, 1920 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Joseph T. and Lillie L. Adams.   Ada Mae was a 1938 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and married her sweet-heart, Robert Coy Howe in 1940.

Ada Mae worked at the Rubber Company, Eli Lilly and Naval Avionics, retiring from Indiana National Bank as a Customer Service Representative. In her retirement years she volunteered at Community Hospital East and the Indianapolis Senior Citizens Center.  She enjoyed her annual outings to Dulls Christmas Tree Farm, as well as attending Steve Jeffries performances throughout the year as his oldest Fan Club Member.  Ada Mae was a long time East Side resident and member of Garfield Park United Church of Christ of Indianapolis, and was also a Life Member of the Moose International, Chapter 11.  She also loved eating at the Steer In Restaurant, which was and still is a landmark on the East Side of Indianapolis. Ada Mae loved playing the quarter slot machines and would take advantage of every opportunity to visit the casinos.  She cherished her many dogs and cats who were her constant companions, and helped enrich her life after the loss of her beloved husband, Coy. She loved her family dearly and especially loved gathering with them on special occasions and at the holidays, playing cards and games.

Ada Mae is survived by her daughters, Bobbie Whitaker and Jodi Birkla; and sons-in-law, Phil Birkla and Thomas Lakin.  She is survived by nieces, Carlene Lakin, Patti Latz and Becky (Tom) Simpson, Penny (John) Herrod and Susan (Joseph) Muracco; nephews, Jerry Ward and Gary Ward.  Ada is also survived by granddaughters, Lori (Matt) Harriman, Ronda (Jim) Hallquist, Tracie (Ron) Naegle, Sheri (Jim) Kaim, Mindy (Scott) Perry, Tammy Riddle, Marsha Whitaker, Michele (Jack) Estes and Angela Birkla; grandsons, Jeff (Marcia) Lakin, Brian (Gina) Whitaker and Tony (Melissa) Birkla; along with 21 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren

Ada Mae was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband; along with her infant son, Walter Thomas Howe and eldest daughter, Judith Lee Lakin.  She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Sadie Poehler, Marie Sturgeon, Marion Batton, Helen Ward; and brother, Raymond Adams.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 10am-12pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East with a funeral service immediately following.  Ada Mae will be laid to rest with her husband in Washington Park East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Indianapolis Humane Society.