Barbara Mae Scalf Howarter, age 90 of Maryville, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at Shannondale of Maryville, TN. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville. Born in Kirkwood, IL to the late Frederick Robert and Anna Margaret Sward Scalf she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

After graduating from high school in Knoxville, IL she married her high school sweetheart, Harold L. Howarter. She spent 21+ years supporting and traveling with Harold while he served in the United States Air Force. Although small in stature, Barbara was strong and fierce in spirit. She had to be in order to work full time in the banking industry while raising four children; often single-handedly, when Harold was required to travel with the military. After retirement, they continued to move and travel, then landed in Maryville in 1997.

Barbara had a love for arts and crafts and was happiest while working on a counted cross stitch for a loved one. Among her too many to count cross stitch projects, she was most proud of her 25 birth samplers (one for each grandchild), one of Santa Claus and two of "The Last Supper." She also had a passion for decorating her home for the holidays, every holiday! However, decorating for Christmas was by far her favorite.

She kept an ornament tree up in her home year round which displayed every annual White House Christmas Ornament since their inception in 1984.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband for over 60 years, Harold; her older sister, Elizabeth Harshbarger; her four younger brothers; James, Frederick, Jerry and Roger Scalf, and her daughter-in-law, Terri Howarter.

Survived by her son Harold of DuQuoin, IL; son Richard (Kathy) of Benicia, CA; daughter Paris Angel (Wayne) of Maryville, TN; son Dana (Lyn) of Robbinsville, NC; 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and her dear friends from Christi-Lynn Heights.

The family would like to express their thanks and deep gratitude to the entire staff and nurses on 2nd Assist and 3rd Skilled Nursing Care at Shannondale of Maryville for providing their loving care and support during her last few months. Thanks also to the staff and nurses from Gentiva Hospice for providing additional care and support in her final days.

Family and friends will assemble for entombment on Monday, March 9, 2026 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN at 2:00 pm. Following entombment, the family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Smith Trinity Chapel. A Celebration of Barbara's life will begin at 5:00 pm at Smith Trinity Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to The Welcome Table at First United Methodist Church of Maryville, TN. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.