Christine Ann Howell, 76, of Devine, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Clyde Nursing Home. A celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th at the Buffalo Gap Community Center.

Christine, lovingly called Chris, Mom or Nanny, was born on December 19, 1949, in Meadville, Pennsylvania to Albert and Arlene (McKeeby) Furno. She grew up and completed high school in Arizona. On July 11,1970, Chris married Walter "Bill" Howell in Tucson, Arizona. Throughout their marriage, they ranched together from the Arizona foothills to South Texas, where Chris enjoyed both being a housewife and working cattle alongside the cowboys.

Chris was devoted to supporting her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren in all their endeavors. In her later years, she especially treasured her role as grandmother and great-grandmother. She was known for her delicious spaghetti and cinnamon rolls that would fill your belly while her infectious laughter would brighten any room. She considered her dogs her "babies" and delighted in spoiling them.

Chris is survived by her husband Bill Howell of Devine; two sons; James "Clay" Howell and wife Lisa of Axtell, Darrel Dean Howell and wife Lee Ann of Whetstone, Arizona. One daughter; Tina Marie Howell of Buffalo Gap, and one brother Michael Furno of Weatherford; four grandchildren; Nicole and husband Dylan, Wyatt and wife Sara, Denton, and Victoria; and five great-grandchildren; Kole, Kooper, Kazlynn, Makenna, and Everly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Furno and Arlene McKeeby.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at the Clyde Nursing Center for their wonderful love and care for Chris during her time there.