Delores Kay "Dee" Howell, 65 of Van Wert, Ohio, died at 12:05 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at the C.H.P.-Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert. She was born on July 1, 1949 in Paulding County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Robert and Mable (Hartwick) Simpson. Besides her parents, Dee was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Floyd E. & Mabel Simpson formerly of Cecil and maternal grandparents, William C. & Sophie Mae Hartwick formerly of Briceton. Dee began her teacher career at Crestview Local Schools, then was assistant director at Wee Care Day Care and was instrumental in starting the Convoy Pre-School. She then taught at Vantage Career Center with both adult education and GRADS - a parenting program for high school moms and dads. She was active as an advisor for the Junior Fair Board for 10 years. A FHA advisor for 10 years. Member and former trustee of the Van Wert County Historical Society. She was a member of the Van Wert Y.M.C.A. for over 30 years and Branch II of Van Wert County Hospital TWIGS. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Convoy and St. Marks Lutheran Church in Van Wert. Dee was a 1967 graduate of Paulding High School and attended Ohio State University earning her degree in Home Economics Education in 1971. In 2012, she received her masters degree in Interpersonal / Personal Communication from Purdue University. Family survivors include her daughters, Yvonne Kay Barger of Convoy, and Elizabeth Owens "Betsy" Howell of Columbus; son, Wayne Allen Howell of Willshire; grandson, Marcus Anthony Howell; two brothers, Kenneth Robert (Dee) Simpson and Charles Evan (Sue) Simpson, all of Cecil, Ohio; and sister, Cathy Louise (Tim) Callahan of Maumee, Ohio. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m. at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Van Wert, Ohio, with Rev. William C. Haggis, II officiating. Burial is at Rochester Cemetery in Crane Township, Paulding County, Ohio. Visitation is scheduled for 1-8 p.m. Monday, August 18 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the Church. Preferred memorials are to Community Health Professionals - Hospice.