Amber Rose Howell

Amber Rose Howell, 32 of Meridian, ID, passed away on February 21, 2026, due to complications from her battle with leukemia. Amber was a radiant soul whose compassion, joy, and Christ-centered love transformed every life she touched. She lived with intention, embracing each day as an opportunity to create meaningful memories and to reflect the kindness and grace of Jesus. Though her time here felt far too short, the beauty of her love and the depth of her faith will continue to point others toward the true joy found in Christ.

Amber was born on March 22, 1993, in Tacoma, Washington, to Bryan and Debra Hanson, who joyfully welcomed their adventurous middle child into the world. From an early age, she was full of energy and determination, playing softball, tennis, and soccer and eventually competing in club soccer during high school. Summers at Stelzer Farm in Dufur, Oregon became treasured memories, shaping her love for family, hard work, and the outdoors. She participated in Running Start at Pierce College while still in high school and graduated from Graham-Kapowsin in 2011, already demonstrating her drive and discipline.

After high school, Amber studied to be a physical therapy assistant at Green River College, but she soon sensed a deeper calling to serve the Lord in ministry. She pursued ministry training and interned at Sound Life Church in Tacoma, Lake City Church in Coeur d’Alene, and Resonate in San Diego over several years. During this time, she attended Northwest University, worked at Applebee’s, and filled her life with long runs, bike rides, and adventures visiting family and friends across the United States and Australia. In the summer of 2018, she followed God’s leading to intern with Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri.

To support her calling to ministry, Amber began working at UPS, a job that would later become a significant source of stability during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Just nine months into her time there, she sensed something was wrong and was soon diagnosed with leukemia. She returned to Washington, where her parents faithfully supported her through treatment. Through multiple rounds of care, she displayed remarkable courage and grew in strength. After her recovery, she moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and eventually settled in Boise.

On September 15, 2024, during a fishing trip with her parents, Amber shared the joyful news that she believed she had found the love of her life, Taylor Howell, a man who shared her heart for adventure and faith. They were married on August 16, 2025, in Donnelly, Idaho, beginning a beautiful chapter together built on love, joy, and devotion to Christ.

Taylor’s family adopted Amber in their family as soon as they met her and cherished the limited time with her. She became an important part of the family and was greatly loved for her faith and positivity. They shared a wonderful trip to Europe in May 2025 where Taylor proposed in atop the Swiss Alps. Amber is survived by her devoted husband, Taylor Howell, who cherished her as his greatest gift and adventure companion in life. She is also survived by her loving parents, Bryan and Debra Hanson, whose steady support and faithful prayers carried her through every season. Amber’s siblings, Benjamin Hanson, his wife Taylor, niece Emerald, and Kristina Mott, her husband Connor, and niece Amelia, remain deeply grateful for the bond they shared with her, a sister whose joy, compassion, and unwavering faith left a permanent mark on their hearts. She is preceded in death by Frank & Lois Hanson, Ron & Dorothy Roos, and her nephew Joshua Mott.

Amber fought for faith, for joy, for gratitude, and for the people she loved. She believed deeply that every day was a gift from God and lived with a quiet determination to make it count. She laughed easily and enjoyed simple moments on long runs, long bike rides, fishing trips, road trips, and shared adventures that turned ordinary days into lasting memories. People will miss her radiant smile, her steady encouragement, and the way she made them feel completely known and genuinely valued. She showed up for others with prayer, presence, and practical love, offering compassion without condition and pointing everyone she met toward the hope and joy she found in Christ. Her memorial service will be at Boise Vineyard Fellowship Chapel in Boise, ID on Thursday, February 26th at 6 PM. Another service will be available at Sound Life Church in Tacoma, WA, in March 2026.