Martha Alice Steed Howlett

Martha Alice Steed Howlett, age 91, of Delta, Utah, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on November 1, 2025, after a long illness. She was born January 19, 1934, in Kanab, Utah, to Milton and Ida Hanson Steed. She grew up in the rural farming community of Johns Valley near Bryce Canyon, alongside her brothers: Harmon, Robert “Bob”, and Roger. Martha treasured her childhood on the family farm and often recalled exploring the nearby hills with her mother and enjoying the quiet beauty of the valley. She frequently reminisced about the joys of living, working, and playing on a small farm that produced hay, sheep, cattle, and turkeys.

During her teenage years, the family moved to Draper, Utah, where Martha attended Jordan High School and proudly cheered as a song leader for the Beet Diggers. Tragically, not long after their move, her father, Milton, passed away in a ranching accident in 1955—an event that deeply shaped her early life.

On February 3, 1961, Martha married Duane Kent Howlett in the Salt Lake City Temple. They made their home in Draper, building the family poultry farm for many years before relocating in 1974 to a 440-acre ranch in Mosida near Elberta, Utah, where they expanded their family’s egg business to include cattle.

Always eager to learn, she returned to college later in life and graduated from Brigham Young University summa cum laude at the age of 58. She went on to teach special education at Goshen Elementary School, where she was deeply loved by her students and their parents.

In the late 1990s, Martha and her family established the Lone Tree Ranch in Delta, Utah, where they eventually moved. They left poultry farming behind but continued to raise corn and hay, while building their cattle herd.

Later, Martha and Duane served together as missionaries in the Uruguay Montevideo Mission. Martha followed the example of her parents in serving others and accepted many church callings throughout her life. She especially cherished her time working in the Manti Temple. Over the years, they also lived in St. George and later settled back at their ranch in Delta. There, the farming and ranching operation thrived, growing large enough to support many members of their ever-growing extended family. Martha truly loved the times when family visited. She delighted in serving home-cooked meals and creating a warm, inviting place for both family and friends.

Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, teacher, and friend. Whether she was teaching or simply sharing a conversation, her kindness and genuine concern for others were always heartfelt. All of her energy was directed toward making others’ lives better. She embodied the essence of selflessness. Her gentle influence and loving heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Harmon Steed and Robert “Bob” Steed; her grandson: Trevor Duane Jones; and her great-granddaughter: Oakley Michelle Howlett; great-grandson: Anderson Samuel Brumfield. She is survived by her husband: Duane; and her seven children: Mike Howlett; Marianne Rawlings (Kieth); Julie Jones (Aaron); Charlotte Walton (Ric); Sam Howlett (Shawna); David Howlett (Michelle); and Nancy Bandley (Shawn). She is also survived by her brother: Roger Steed (Diane); 37 grandchildren; 67 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Martha will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the Sutherland LDS Chapel, 3060 West 2600 North. A Viewing will be held 9:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Those unable to attend may view the service through the link posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com. Burial will be in the Sutherland Cemetery.

The family expresses their sincere thanks to the staff of iCare, Seasons of Santaquin, and all those who provided care and support to Mom and her family.