In Loving Memory of Kathy Howell

Kathy Howell passed away 10/26/24 peacefully at home surrounded by family and her fur babies.
Kathy was born on 4/13/55 in Long Beach, CA to Sam and LaVon Metcalf. At the age of 4, the family
moved to Trinidad, CO, where her parents were both born and raised.
She graduated from Trinidad High School in 1973. Kathy moved back to Long Beach to get her certificate
in Cosmetology. After graduation, she moved back to Trinidad to pursue her career.
Kathy quickly realized her passion for caring and helping others and decided to continue her education in
healthcare at Trinidad State Junior College where she received her Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She
then went on to attend the University of Phoenix where she graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in
Nursing. Even though she said she was done with school, Kathy continued to further her education and
received her Master’s of Science in Nursing through the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Kathy spent the next 30 years working in many aspects of nursing ranging from Labor and Delivery to the
head of nursing with The Colorado Department of Corrections. Her true love and passion in nursing was
being an educator. Her knowledge, experience, compassion and professionalism has been passed on to
hundreds of nurses that were lucky enough to have her as an instructor.
In December of 1995, Kathy married the absolute love of her life, Robert Howell. Together they shared a
love and life that many would strive to have. They loved to travel, mud-bog, spend time with family and
entertain their pups.
Kathy and Rob decided to leave Colorado in 2017 and move to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Together, Kathy and
Rob started a “Hot Shot” business. She continued to be an educator at Jefferson Regional Medical Center
and The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff until October of 2023.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and LaVon Metcalf; Sister, Raylene Metcalf; Daughter,
Amy Ortiz; Parents-in-law, Bob and Elsie Howell; Brother-in-law, Daniel Howell; Nephew, Joshua Howell
She is survived by her husband, Robert Howell of Pine Bluff, AR; Daughters, Lisa Velasquez, Lakewood,
CO and Ralyn (Binky) Sugar, Pueblo, CO; Brother, Chuck (Sue) Metcalf, Conway, AR; Sister Judi Metcalf,
Thornton, CO; Granddaughters, Tristan Velasquez, Highlands Ranch, CO, Marissa Velasquez, Thornton,
CO, Peytonlyn, Charlotte, Lucas, Princeton and Mollie Martinez, Pueblo, CO. She is also survived by her
best friend and partner in crime Karen (Jim) Davis, Vicksburg, MS, numerous nieces and nephews,
friends and highly educated nurses; Her fur babies, Spud, Oscar, Miles and Betty Boop.
Services will be held Friday, 11/8/2024 at the First Christian Church in Trinidad, CO. Graveside services
will be held immediately following the service at the Masonic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the First
Christian Church. The family requests everyone wear red to honor Kathy’s love of red cardinals.
Funeral under the direction of Comi Funeral Home