Hannah Nicole Howard, 30, of Beaver, Ohio, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering love, selfless compassion, and joyful laughter. She was born on May 2, 1996, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Matthew and Nicole Zeallear Francis of Piketon, Ohio.
On August 29, 2015, Hannah married the love of her life, Cody Howard. Together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and unconditional love. They were true partners in every sense of the word—best friends who shared life’s everyday moments side by side. Their greatest joy was raising their children together, creating a home filled with laughter, encouragement, and endless love.
Above all else, Hannah was a devoted wife and mother. Her family was her greatest purpose, and everyone who knew her knew there was nothing she loved more than being with Cody and their children. She treasured every milestone, every ballgame, every pageant, every bedtime story, and every ordinary moment that became extraordinary simply because they were together.
Hannah had a smile that could light up any room and a heart that knew no limits. She never hesitated to help someone in need and gave of herself without expecting anything in return. Whether family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, everyone who crossed her path experienced the kindness that came so naturally to her.
Her caring spirit extended into the profession she loved. A 2014 graduate of Piketon High School, Hannah found her calling in nursing. As a nurse with Adena Home Health, she cared for every patient with compassion, dignity, and genuine concern. Nursing was never just a job to Hannah—it was part of who she was. She worked tirelessly, took immense pride in her work, and touched countless lives through her dedication and kindness.
Family was the center of Hannah’s world. She loved being “Aunt Hannah” and treasured every one of her nieces and nephews, making each feel deeply loved. She embraced every opportunity to make memories, whether cheering from the sidelines at her children’s sporting events, helping Peyton prepare for pageants, spending time outdoors, or simply laughing with those she loved most. Hannah had a wonderfully goofy personality and found joy in making others smile.
She is survived by her loving husband, Cody Howard; her beloved son, Klaus Howard of Beaver; her parents, Matthew and Nicole Zeallear Francis of Piketon; her brother, Trevor (Jordan) Francis of Gallipolis; her sister, Dena Leatherwood of Piketon; her niece, Layla Francis; her grandparents, Wanda and Don Borders of Beaver; her mother-in-law, Renee (Timothy) Withrow of Beaver; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Desiree (Ian) Bapst, Kayla Slusher, Chelsea (Derek) Lawhorn, Nick (Autumn) Howard, Donya (Nathan) Howard, and Cassandra (Zach Newton) Nelson; her aunts and uncles, Harley (Brandy) Borders, Lenny (Ashley) Borders, Shawnee Tackett, Sheila (Dave) Kinnison, John (Vicki) Francis, Mark Francis, and Denisea (Jeff) Tackett; her many cherished nieces and nephews; and countless extended family members and dear friends. Clayton Ison, Kenna, and her daughter also held a special place in Hannah’s heart and were loved like family.
Hannah was welcomed into Heaven by her precious children, Gunnar Christian Howard and Peyton Nicole Howard; her grandmother, Alice Zeallear; her father-in-law, Charles “Bub” Howard; and her grandparents, David and Louise Francis.
Hannah’s life was not measured by the years she lived but by the love she gave. Her kindness, beautiful smile, servant’s heart, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though her presence is deeply missed, her love remains woven into the lives of those she cherished. She will forever be loved, forever remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
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
