Kathleen Driskill Howe, 95, Spearfish passed quietly on Wednesday, Nov. 24 2010, at Dorsett Regional Senior Care surrounded by her loved ones.
Kathleen Hermonie Driskill was born on Dec. 29, 1914 to Jesse and Louise (Blatt) Driskill in the historical Driskill home located one block from Spearfish Park. She grew up in Spearfish and graduated from Spearfish High School. She went on to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Upon returning to Spearfish, she married Harry Robert Christensen. In 1954, they moved to Huron, where Harry was head of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Kathleen, also known as Tommy to her friends, returned to Spearfish in December of 1956 after her husband passed away. She remained in Spearfish for the rest of her life. Tommy loved Spearfish and took an active interest in the community. She served on the city planning commission, devoted member of the Christian Science Church, chamber of commerce, retail trade to name a few and was instrumental in organizing the first all-school reunion for Spearfish High School.
In 1957, Tommy became involved in politics serving the Republican Party for many years. She was president of Republican Women's Club, headed up numerous campaigns and was National Committee Woman for the state of South Dakota. She was also appointed to the honorary position of Executive National Committee Woman and was acquainted with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater. It was during this period of her life that she met Donald Howe. They were married in 1962 and enjoyed 48 wonderful years together.
Tommy went into business in 1963 opening Kathleen's which began as a children's clothing store eventually growing into a junior and ladies apparel shop carrying unique designs. After selling the business Tommy was always pleased the store still bore her name. Never one to be idle, she went on to become a sales associate for Johnson Joy Real Estate Co. until retiring at age eighty.
Among the greatest joys of her life were the summers she spent with her husband, Don and family at their cabin in Spearfish Canyon. Always the lady, Kathleen will be remembered for her keen wit, humor, style, and of course her opinion.
In lieu of a funeral, which she never wanted, her family invites all her knew her to come and celebrate the life and times of a great lady this spring, when the beautiful Black Hills come into bloom — the hills she so dearly loved. An announcement will be published prior to the event.
Kathleen leaves her husband, Don Howe of Spearfish; three daughters, Betty Ward of Longmont, Colo.; Callie Houghton and Kristin Christensen-Shull both of Spearfish; and one step-daughter Jane Armstrong of Laguna Beach, Calif. Together Don and Tommy have 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are with Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Tommi's Family may be reached at 722-0904