Frances (Fran) Rummer Howard died peacefully in Bellevue, Washington, on May 18, 2023, of a heart issue. She lived in Richland for 60+ years with her husband, Bill Howard, and raised her five daughters. She was born January 24, 1932, in Spokane, Washington. Fran was the fifth of eight children born to William E. Rummer and Grace W. Nessly.

Fran graduated from North Central High School in Spokane. As someone who believed in the importance of education, she furthered her education through night school, college extension courses, and company education programs. Fran was proud of making a career change to management in her 50s and achieved her Certified Professional Manager certification in December 1986. She had a varied career working for Washington State, General Electric, ITT Federal Support Services, Richland City Manager, and Richland School District. She retired as a supervisor from Energy Northwest in 1994.
After retiring in 1994, she took-up golf, joined a group of retired lady golfers, and was an active golfer until 2014. She was also involved in a retirees’ bowling league. She enjoyed these activities and friends immensely. Not only did she enjoy the activities, but she also was a reluctant top golfer and bowler. While she was always an encouraging teammate, she also took the time to develop her skills. In addition to golf and bowling, she took oil and watercolor painting classes. She had natural artistic abilities in drawing and painting and enjoyed these pursuits.

Fran was diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2014. She moved from Richland to Bellevue, Washington, to establish treatment with a specialist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. Her daughter, Rebecca, and son-in-law (John) helped her navigate various medical challenges and treatments. While her lymphoma remained in remission, her cancer required continued treatment. She lived at an independent retirement community, Gardens at Town Square, in Bellevue. There, she made friends, enjoyed the happy hours, participated in the resident’s council, the ambassador program assisting new residents, and joined the Gardens Gazette as a contributor and editor.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Howard, Granddaughter Abby Carter, and siblings Les Rummer, Gene Rummer, John Rummer, Betty Silver, and Eileen Tumlinson.

She is survived by one sister, Donna Dixon, and one brother, Bob Rummer, both in Spokane. Fran leaves behind all five daughters, Kay Carter (Bill) in Virginia, Grace Hendrickson (Marc) in Washington, Arty Bartlett (Steve) in Arizona, Teri Jane in Oregon, and Rebecca Hamlin (John) in Washington. She also leaves eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Einan’s Sunset Funeral home in Richland, WA, on Saturday, October 7, at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Friends are welcome to attend.