Peyton Nicole Howard, 5, of Beaver, Ohio, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. She was born on June 17, 2020, in Chillicothe, Ohio, the beloved daughter of Hannah Nicole Howard and Cody Christian Howard of Beaver.
Peyton was, without question, her mommy’s little girl. The bond they shared was one that everyone who knew them could see—a love filled with hugs, laughter, and countless precious moments. Her family was her whole world, and she found her greatest happiness simply being with those she loved.
Though she was full of sass, confidence, and endless charm at home with those she loved most, Peyton had a sweet, shy heart. She was the kind of little girl who would often hide behind her mommy when meeting someone new. Even on the T-ball field, she often wanted her mommy by her side to help her step up to the plate. Those quiet moments made watching her find her courage all the more special.
Peyton loved everything pink—if it was pink, it was automatically her favorite. She also loved makeup, and playing with her dolls. She was incredibly smart, curious about the world, and always ready with another story to tell or another adventure to imagine.
If there was one thing Peyton loved most, it was to sing. Whether she was belting out “This Girl Is on Fire” or “Save Me” by Jelly Roll, she was always singing around the house, putting on performances, or making fun videos.
Peyton was especially proud to be a big sister to her baby brother, Klaus. She loved him dearly and embraced that role with all the love a five-year-old heart could hold.
This fall, Peyton was excited to begin a brand-new adventure as a kindergartner at Beaver Elementary. She looked forward to making new friends, learning new things, and chasing the many dreams that filled her young heart.
Though her beautiful life was far too brief, Peyton’s love, laughter, and bright spirit left a mark that will last forever. She reminded everyone around her to laugh often, love deeply, and find happiness in life’s little moments.
While her family will forever miss hearing her sweet voice singing through the house, watching her imagination come to life, seeing the sparkle in her eyes, and feeling her little hand reach for her mommy’s whenever she needed reassurance, they find comfort in knowing that love like Peyton’s never fades.
Peyton is survived by her loving father, Cody Christian Howard of Beaver; her brother, Klaus Howard of Beaver; her grandparents, Renee (Timothy) Withrow of Beaver and Matthew and Nicole Francis of Piketon; her great-grandparents, Wanda and Don Borders of Beaver; her aunts and uncles, Trevor (Jordan) Francis, Dena Leatherwood, Desiree (Ian) Bapst, Kayla Slusher, Chelsea (Derek) Lawhorn, Nick (Autumn) Howard, Donya (Nathan) Howard, and Cassandra (Zach Newton) Nelson; her great-aunts and great-uncles, Harley (Brandy) Borders, Lenny (Ashley) Borders, Shawnee Tackett, Sheila (Dave) Kinnison, John (Vicki) Francis, Mark Francis, and Denisea (Jeff) Tackett; and many cousins including Layla, Donta, Kenleigh, Knoxen, Rook, Brelynn, Olivia, Charlee, Adalee, Kamryn, Colton, Owen, Avery, Olli, Lelind, Nahtana, Maicie, Creed, McKenzie, Timmy, Colt, and Kenna.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her precious mommy, Hannah Nicole Howard, and her beloved brother, Gunnar Christian Howard; her grandfather, Charles “Bub” Howard; and her great-grandparents, Alice Zeallear and David and Louise Francis.
Peyton will forever be Mommy’s little girl, Daddy’s princess, a loving big sister, and a treasured granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. She will be deeply loved, endlessly missed, and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2026 at Eastern High School gymnasium with Pastor Rick Evans officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the school. A private burial will take place at a later time. Services in care of Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.
www.botkinhornbackfuneralhomes.com
