PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Ella Louise (Howlett) Stevens, 86, passed away on July 13, 2018, at the House of Comfort in Presque Isle. She was born on January 27, 1932, in Presque Isle, the daughter of Ella Jane Dennett (Howlett) Hardy and Richard Athill Howlett.
She graduated from Presque Isle High School, class of 1949. On June 18, 1949, she married Orren Frank Stevens and honeymooned at the camp in Portage. Ella had two children: a son, Ronald; and a daughter, Judith. She was Noble Grand and Past Noble District Deputy of Aroostook Rebekah Lodge #32. She also served as secretary for the lodge. She was a Cub Scout den mother and assistant Girl Scout leader. She was president of the Presque Isle Curling Club for two years and an active curler. Ella was a member of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church and Sunday school teacher for many years. She belonged to the Mary Martha Circle of the church. She loved to play bridge and read. Most of all she enjoyed her camp at Portage Lake.
She was employed by C.I.T. Financial Services for ten years and then was employed by the State of Maine in the Department of Labor for 23 years, retiring in February 1994. She led a very active and busy life after retirement. She was secretary for two years and an active member of the Portage Lake Association and served on the Board of Directors for nine years. She worked as a volunteer on the Portage Lake Beach Buffer Project the summer of 2000 and cleanup crew in 2001. She volunteered several years at the boat landing checking for milfoil and foreign invasive plants for P.L.A. Ella was a member of the Portage Lake Red Hat Loonies and the Over 50’s Club. She also was the first treasurer of the Portage Lake Historical Society. She worked with the Methodist Cluster of the area churches in finding speakers for the summer services at the Portage Congregational Church. She worked hard to the keep the church at Portage Lake up and running. At the age of 74, she took piano lessons as a refresher course. Whatever Ella was involved in, she gave her all. Red Sox was her main sport but also enjoyed Celtics games and watching curling on television.
Ella is survived by her son, Ronald H Stevens; and her daughter, Judith E. Stevens. In addition to her children, she is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Orren; her mother, Ella Hardy and stepfather, Weston Hardy; a brother, Richard Howlett and his wif,e Gilda; and a sister, Juanita Termine of Oregon.
The family would like to give special thanks to all people in the Portage area who helped make it possible for Ella to enjoy her cottage at the lake. Thanks to the people and volunteers who gave her excellent care at the House of Comfort.
As per Ella’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. Memorial contributions in Ella’s name may be made to the House of Comfort, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, ME 04769 or to Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 992, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be shared at
www.duncan-graves.com.
