Roberta E. (Ratcliff) Howard

Roberta E. "Bobbie" Howard, 64, of Chandlersville, died at 3:40 A.M. on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Genesis Hospice-Morrison House. She was born October 23, 1949, in Chillicothe, a daughter of Dorothy J. Dixon Ratcliff of Zanesville and the late Robert A. Ratcliff. Bobbie was a 1968 graduate of West Muskingum High School and went on to earn her Bachelor's in Education from Ohio University, and her Master's in Education from Muskingum University. She taught at Dillon Elementary for 30 years, Muskingum University for 6 years, and then to work for the Muskingum Valley Education Service Center where she was currently serving as Curriculum Director for West Muskingum Local School District. Bobbie co-authored a local history book entitled "My Home, Zanesville", and was one of the first to develop the use of technology in the elementary classroom beginning with the 3M Grant and later obtaining Practitioner Level Achievement and Trainer Certification in Technology. She was the first in Muskingum County to become a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, a proud Phi Delta Kappa, a 4-H advisor for the Meigs Jr Pioneers, a member of High Hill Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed attending sporting events with her children and grandchildren. Surviving in addition to her mother is her husband David W. Howard, whom she married June 27, 1970; a daughter Debra Shreve of Chandlersville; two sons, David (Betty) Howard and William Howard, all of Chandlersville; five grandchildren, Haley, Hunter, and Coy Howard, Cody and Katie Shreve; a sister Rebecca (Timothy) Bowman of Zanesville; four brothers-in-law, Thurman (Dorothy) Howard of South Zanesville, Allen (Becky) Howard of Zanesville, James (Jeanette) Howard of Galena, and Robert (Gayle) Howard of Zanesville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, William, Harley, and Stanley Howard. Friends and family may call from 2:00-4:00 P.M. & 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, September 15, 2014, with Pastor Linda Morrow officiating. She will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery, Zanesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice-Morrison House: 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701; or to the West Muskingum Schools-Academic Fund: 4880 West Pike, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Bobbie had a true passion for education, and contributed to the success of countless students.

Visitation

Sunday, September 14, 2014 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Visitation

Sunday, September 14, 2014 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Funeral Service

Monday, September 15, 2014 1:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States