BLUE HILL — Sheila B. Varnum Howard, 86, died peacefully April 15, 2012, at home. She was born Nov. 15, 1925, in Rockland, the daughter of William Charles Babson and Alice Gertrude Gross.

At age 3, Sheila was diagnosed with a bone disease and was crippled for part of her youth. She overcame this condition with support from Adelaide Pearson, the founder of Rowantrees Pottery. Her fearless enthusiasm propelled her through the challenges life gave her. Sheila graduated from George Stevens Academy in 1944 and attended the University of Maine for one year. That summer she moved to Boston and worked at Raytheon for the war effort. When the war ended, she returned to Maine and married Alton N. Varnum in 1950. They owned and operated a grocery store in North Brooksville. In the early ’50s they lived on the Ferry Road in Brooksville, and many memories were made there. After closing the store, they moved to Orrington and lived there for 13 years. She got involved in local politics and served as a ballot clerk. Sheila was interested in the civil rights movement and joined the NAACP. During this time she commuted to her job at Rowantrees Pottery in Blue Hill, picking up any hitchhiker lucky enough to be on the road to make the drive tolerable. In 1976, Sheila and Alton were given the Rowantrees business from co-founder Laura Paddock and they moved to Blue Hill. She had worked there on and off since she was 14 and was chosen as the person to continue the world renowned pottery. Alton died of cancer two years later. Sheila married Frank Howard in 1984. They were happily married for 10 years before his death. She handcrafted tens of thousands of pieces of pottery, primarily as a thrower. In her later years she worked alone, creating the pieces from beginning to end, with help from her family. Sheila’s interests over the years were reporting for the Weekly Packet, square dancing and making friends from all over the world. She was best known for her generosity and artistic abilities. She also painted signs and designed artwork for the Blue Hill Fair. Her lifelong passion for Native American culture was very fulfilling to her. Sheila was an avid traveler, including a memorable trip to Egypt, a recent cross-country RV trip with her family, and the New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Festival last year. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and will be missed by all of her Happy Hour cohorts. Sheila’s door was always open wherever she lived. The thousands of people who wandered down the brick path and crossed the threshold into the Kiln often became her lifelong friends. If you consider yourself one of Sheila’s closest friends, you will not be alone.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Alton Varnum and Frank Howard; her sisters, Norma Ricker and Serita Bowden; her brother, Bill Babson; and her dog, Smokey. She is survived by her daughters, Terry Grover of Richmond, Lisa Carlson and husband, Steve, of Maui; “son.” Ron Boutin of Alfred; “brother,” Wayne Bragdon of Ellsworth; four granddaughters, Bethany Larrabee and husband, Scott, Karen French and husband, Dave, all of Topsham, Annie LaChapelle and husband, Rob, of Leeds, and Cassidy Carlson of Maui; six great-grandchildren; many nieces; and her “Team Sheila” who lovingly cared for her.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Jordan-Fernald, 141 South St., Blue Hill. A graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. In Sheila’s memory, donations can be made to Dakota Indian Foundation, P.O. Box 340, Chamberlin, SD 57325-0340, Hancock County Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 156, Blue Hill, ME 04614 or Peninsula Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 834, Blue Hill, ME 04614. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.