Brenda L Howlett

Brenda L. Howlett, age 81 of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 17, 2026 at Southridge Specialty Care under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.

Per Brenda’s wishes a graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 beginning at 1:30 P.M. at the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brenda’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Brenda Lucile Carmer was born September 12, 1945 in Montezuma, Iowa. She was the third of five children born to Lloyd and Lucile (Inman) Carmer.

Brenda began a career with Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center in the intensive care unit as a monitor tech on the evening shifts. She met the love of her life, George B. Howlett and they were united in marriage on October 19, 1996 at Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa. They made their home together in Marshalltown and raised George’s daughter, Deb. She continued to work at the hospital until 2021 when she retired. In her free time, Brenda was a collector of many treasures. She had a large collection of Hallmark keepsake ornaments. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends and showed her love through her food. Brenda was always known for her quirky attitude and love to make everyone laugh. She was a blessing to everyone that she knew. George was her best friend and in their later years they always looked forward to Fridays when they would go to Perkins in Marshalltown to share a plate of fries.

Those left to remember and cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, George; her daughter, Deb (Shaun) Hines; four grandchildren, Mia Bright, Christopher Thompson, Rudy Alcorta and Nathan Hines; her siblings Barbara Brown-Nolan and Daryl Carmer along with six nieces and one nephew that she loved like her own children, along with her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Lucile Carmer; brother Cecil Carmer and Sister Darla Burns