Barbara JoAnne Howder

Barbara JoAnne Howder, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on October 13, 2026 at the age of 83.

Born on December 6, 1942, in Flint, Michigan, Barbara was the oldest of five children born to Dorothy Payton (née Seery) and John Howder, Sr. She was raised with the help of her beloved grandmother, Ocie Seery, who was an important and loving presence throughout her childhood.

From an early age, Barbara had a personality all her own. Strong-willed, independent, and never afraid to share her opinion, she knew what she liked and stayed true to herself throughout her life. Those who knew Barbara knew she could always be counted on to tell you exactly what she thought, often accompanied by her wonderful sense of humor.

Barbara also had a deeply creative side. As a young woman, she modeled and was a talented artist, working in both oils and charcoal. She enjoyed writing poetry and maintained an appreciation for art and beautiful things throughout her life.

Barbara had an unmistakable sense of style and especially loved clothes, shoes, and purses. She treasured her Japanese furnishings, delighted in both giving and receiving gifts, and had a lifelong appreciation for elegance and the finer things in life.

One of Barbara’s greatest loves was travel. She saw much of the world, traveling throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, to China, and across the United States. She loved discovering new places and experiencing what the world had to offer, and her travels remained some of her favorite memories.

Barbara loved music—especially Jimmy Buffett—and enjoyed the theater, an outing to the casino, playing Scrabble and Mahjong, and spending time with the many friends she made throughout her life. She was social, enjoyed being part of the action, and brought her own unique energy wherever she went.

She also dearly loved her dog, Saki, who held a very special place in her heart.

Barbara spent part of her life in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she and her first husband, Ron Hyde, Sr., welcomed their son, Ron Hyde, Jr. She eventually moved to Michigan and later married Richard “Rick” Pickert. Together, they welcomed twin daughters, Allison and Angela, who were born in Detroit. During their early childhood, Allison and Angela also lived in Ohio and Georgia before the family eventually settled in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where they spent the majority of their childhood. Barbara later made her home in Pewaukee.

Professionally, Barbara enjoyed a long career as an Executive Assistant with GE Healthcare in Pewaukee, where she worked until her retirement.

Barbara was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she showed her love in ways that were uniquely her own—sometimes through a thoughtful gift, sometimes through a phone call, and sometimes through an unexpected gesture that let you know she was thinking about you. Those closest to Barbara knew she cared deeply for her family and expressed that love in her own way.

Barbara leaves behind her three children: Ron Hyde, Jr. and his fiancée, Jennifer Linn; Allison Marsh and her husband, Jeff; and Angela Schulz and her husband, Mike.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ren Ophelia Theyerl, Jack Theyerl, Emily Schulz, Amanda “Mandy” Schulz, Cenah Hyde, and Allison Schafer; and her only great-grandchild, Lucius Theyerl.

Barbara is further survived by her siblings: John Howder, Dorothy “Dottie” Shaker, and Nancy Schillinger, as well as many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Payton and John Howder, Sr.; her beloved grandmother, Ocie Seery; her sister, Linda Barlow; and Richard “Rick” Pickert, father of her twin daughters, Allison and Angela.

Barbara was raised in the Catholic faith. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated, and no formal funeral service will be held. Her family will honor and remember her privately.

Barbara will be remembered for her independence, creativity, unmistakable sense of style, love of travel, art, music, and friendships. She appreciated beautiful things, interesting places, good company, and the experiences that made life memorable.

She laughed, she traveled, she created, she loved, and she lived life in her own way.

She will be deeply missed by so many.