Marlana Lu Howell Atkinson

Marlana Lu Howell Atkinson, 57, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, died December 16, 2016 in Gray County, Texas. Memorial services may be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors in Pampa, Texas. Marlana was born September 19, 1959 in Waynoka, Oklahoma to Jane and Martin Howell. She graduated from Alva High School and attended Oklahoma State University where she became president of the Kappa Delta Sorority, served as student senator for the School of Arts and Sciences, and was the Arts and Sciences Queen. She graduated with honors with a degree in Business Accounting and went on to attend the Law and MBA Program at the University of Tulsa. When she completed her MBA, she was recruited as the Administrator for the University of New Mexico. She later became the Chief Administrator for The Trust for Public Land in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she worked for 15 years. Marlana was a gifted musician whose talents for singing and playing the guitar served her well throughout her college and professional career. She loved living in New Mexico, where she originally moved with her husband, Bill Atkinson, and she continued to live there for the remainder of her career. Aside from her music and artistic talents, her life’s passion was for dogs especially her beloved Basenji Bella. She is survived by her siblings and their families, Carolyn Passwater, Dr. Joe Howell, Peggy Mittasch, and Dr. John Howell, nieces, nephews, and many good friends in New Mexico and Oklahoma.