Bill J. Howell, a lifetime rancher passed Sunday, March 21st. He was born November 5, 1934 in Thedford Nebraska to Jim and Virginia Howell. He grew up ranching in Nebraska and later moved when he was fourteen to Montana. In 1959-1960, He served in the 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 187th Infantry - Company E. After the service, he worked briefly in Utah but it wasn't until 1963 that he found the place he would call his permanent home, Arizona. He became employed by Babbitt Ranches in the fall of that year. He started out working with the wagon and breaking horses. Eventually, he ended up as the ranch manager for the next 25 years. He worked at Babbitt's until 1991 when he retired to a ranch of his own. Bill deeply loved Arizona and the cowboy way of life. Many of his children, grandchildren, and great-grand children carry on his legacy.

He is survived by Lynda, his wife of 24 years and his children Vic (Jamie) Howell, Tim (Tammy) Howell, Tom (Bernadette) Howell, Lane (Jeff) Burritt, and Trisha (Will) Smith. His grandchildren include: Victoria, Cassandra, Danielle, Lindsey, Emily, Natalie, Carson, Kaycee, Bryce, and Abby. As wellas, four great-grand daughters and two great grandsons. Surviving brother's and sister's include Harvey, Mikel, Alyce, Twila, Irene, Janet, and Jean Ann. Preceded in death by his parents and his brother's Russ Howell and Joe Howell.

His family and friends will remember him and celebrate his life this Friday, March 26th at 1:00 pm at the Elks Lodge located at 2101 North San Francisco Street. Flagstaff, Arizona. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the Arizona Cowpuncher's Crisis Fund (c/o Scott
Westlake, PO Box 520, Flagstaff, 86002).