Lula "Shug" Booth Howard

Lula Mae "Shug" Booth Howard, age 90, of Sparta, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Shug was born on November 30, 1934, in Sanders, KY, to the late William and Cleo Welch Ogden. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Willard "Baldy" Booth, her children, Lois Henry and Grover "Tuni" Booth, her granddaughter, Beckie Helton, her great-grandsons, Ryder Deitz and Kinley Helton and her siblings, Gilbert and Stanley Ogden, Evelyn Sampson, and Marie Snell.

Saying she was special doesn’t quite capture the depth of her identity. She was a light in this world, a steady presence of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Shug never met a stranger. She welcomed everyone with open arms, whether you were family, friend, or just someone passing through. She was a member of Sanders Baptist Church and lived by the purest example of what it means to be a Christian—always kind, always forgiving, never judging. If you were lucky enough to be in her presence, you felt loved. She had a heart for children like no other. Over the years, she helped watch and raise more kids than we can count, pouring her love, wisdom, and patience into each one. Whether it was her own family or a child who just needed a safe place to land, Shug was there.

Music was another part of her soul. She loved to sing—church hymns, choir songs, and old country classics, especially Hank Williams Sr. And when she wasn’t singing, she was dancing.

She worked hard her whole life—rarely sitting still until these last few years. But even then, her light never dimmed. She was proud to have worked at Valley Haven Rest Home, even walking in the aftermath of a blizzard to get there.

Shug will be deeply missed by her husband and soul mate, Beebe Ray Howard.  Beebe took great pleasure in spoiling her, taking her on trips and especially fishing.  Also surviving are her devoted daughters, Marcella (Mike) Howard and Diana "Sudie" (Ronnie) Deitz; stepchildren, Tim Howard and Donna Higgs; grandchildren, Willard "Boo" (Alice) Perkins, Missi Perkins, Willard Booth, Alan Booth, Brian Booth, Dustin Booth, Brittany Booth, Amy Owen, Ron(Kelly) Deitz, Jr., Robin (Rob) Lodal, Ronica (Jeremy) Hunt, Dastin Deitz, Chasity (Kevin) Hill, Allison (Ryan) Perkins, and Amanda (Jon) Majdoch; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; numberous step-grand and great grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Ann Williamson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.  Family will receive friends for visitation at the Main Street location on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4 - 8 pm.  Funeral services will be held at Sanders Baptist Church on Tuesday at 1 pm, with visitation beginning after 11 am. Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery with Bro. Dan Flower and Bro. Craig Howard presiding. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sanders Baptist Church Building Fund.