Nelda R. Howes, age 86, of Madison, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Geneva Village Retirement Community. She was born June 13, 1926 in Wellsville to Grace Alpha (Wilson) & Harry Edward Close and married Gordon W. Howes on March 27, 1948 in Geneva, Ohio.

Nelda was a 1944 graduate of Geneva High School and was a member of North Madison Church of Christ (New Day Christian Church) for over 45 years. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Stephanie) Howes of Lancaster, OH, Robert Howes of Kingwood, TX, Jonathon (Sharon) Howes of Newtown, OH; daughters, Nancy (Todd) Roberts of Madison & Beth (Randy) Trice of Madison; 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents & sisters, Norma Funk & Blair Close.

Friends will be received 6-9 PM Monday, April 8, 2013 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the funeral home.

Final resting place will be at North Madison Cemetery in Madison.