Pearl M. Howerton, age 95, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Golden Heights Living Center in Garnett. Pearl was born August 9, 1915, on a farm near Blue Mound in Linn County, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Ethel (Allen) Gerstenberger. She attended Blue Mound schools and graduated with the Class of 1933 from Blue Mound High School. Pearl married Clark Howerton on August 30, 1936. They resided in Lawrence, Kansas, until Clark graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law. They then moved to Garnett, where they made their home and Clark practiced law. Pearl worked part time in Clark's law office. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, and was active in various organizations over the years, including Vista Club, PEO, and others. She was interested in others and was recognized as a true friend by those of many age groups, many of whom often sought and valued her advice and positive outlook about life. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Connie (Howerton) Anderson, her parents, and her brother Howard Gerstenberger. She is survived by her son Kent Howerton, her granddaughter Traci (Anderson) Lilly and grandson Todd Anderson and their families (including three great granddaughters and three great grandsons), her nephews Mike Purdon, Allen Gerstenberger, and Dean Gerstenberger and their families, and many generations of friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. She will lie in state on Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church.