Obituary of Minnie A. Howerton

Minnie A. Howerton passed away February 15, 2022, in Olympia, Washington.  She was born July 14, 1954, to Henry and Inez McKinley in Morton, Washington. She also lived in Ilwaco, Washington, until relocating to Tenino in April 2016.

 

Minnie earned an Associate’s Degree in medical billing at Grays Harbor Community College.  She married Steven Wirkkala and they had three children.  Although they later divorced, they stayed great friends.  She remarried James Howerton.

 

Minnie was selfless, kind and loving.  She enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, crafting, cooking, baking, going to garage sales, and spending time with friends and family. She also loved her grand-dogs.

 

She is survived by sons, Edwin A. Wirkkala of Rosburg, Washington, and Walter R. Wirkkala of Rosburg; daughter, Shellie I. Wirkkala of Tenino; five grandchildren; brothers, George McKinley of Chehalis, Washington, and sisters, Mae Morris of Leavenworth, Washington, and Mollie Dunn of Centralia, Washington.  She was predeceased by her husband, James Howerton (2009); parents, Henry and Inez McKinley; and brother, Lee McKinley.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Fords Prairie Grange Hall, 2640 W. Reynolds Ave., Centralia, WA 98531.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Minnie’s honor to a charity of your choice.

 

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