Ellen Rebecca (Ponton) Howell, 93, a resident of Ft. Defiance, Virginia, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Commonwealth Senior Living of Charlottesville.

She was born October 19, 1932, a daughter of the late Emory and Lottie (Blackwell) Ponton.

She was a member of Wayside Baptist Church, and loved quilting, embroidering, and attending auctions.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60+ years, Eugene Henry Howell; brother, Ray; and sister, Amy.

Surviving are her daughters, Rebecca Batten (Freddie), Donna Howell (James Mickles), and Lisa Howell; grandchildren, Adam Batten, Kaitlyn Batten, Ricky Hoover, Adrienne Hoover, Dustin Mickles, Anthony Mickles, Jacob Howell, and Ashley Howell; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, David Ponton; and sister, Faye.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday evening, March 1, 2026 at McDow Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Augusta Memorial Park, officiated by Pastors Scott Brodd and Levi Smith.