Boulder City, Nevada - Wilhelmina (a.k.a. Willie) Elsie Howard (Perdon), (74), daughter of Francisco (Frank) Smith Perdon and Audrey Mae Perdon (Rice), passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5th at 8:10 AM at the Boulder City Hospital in Boulder City, Nevada.

Born on Monday, January 22nd, 1951, in Hawthorn, Nevada, Willie is survived by her two daughters and son, Terra Lee Jarvis (Perdon), Johnna Trista Ward (Perdon), and Miguel (Michael) David Perdon; grandchildren, Calindria Trista Ervin (Jarvis), Jonathan Zane Ward, Jr., Dylan Dean Ward, and Jaden Miguel Perdon; great-grandchildren are Harlow Esmeray Ervin, and Jonathan Zane Ward III.

Willie was a devoted parent to Terra Lee Jarvis (Perdon), Johnna Trista Ward (Perdon), and her son, Miguel (Michael) David Perdon. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, and entertaining her numerous friends. For those who knew her called her, "green thumb."

She was a phytophile, someone who had a deep appreciation for and connection with the plant kingdom. Willie found joy in observing, understanding, and nurturing plants, whether in her garden, a forest, or even in her collection of houseplants. She loved her plants so much that she learned all about each of them by picking up books from the Boulder City Library. Willie learned about the details of plant life, from the delicate veins on a leaf to the intricate patterns each plant has. She had a deep understanding of the plant names, species, growth habits, and care requirements.

In addition, she was very intuitive about what plants needed too. But she was also curious about how plants grow, what conditions they thrive in, and how they interact with their environment. Overall, she was very caring and nurturing to her plants by being active in being attentive, patient, and compassionate with them.

Willie had great fulfillment in caring for her plants by watering, pruning, and fertilizing them. She had a strong connection to the natural world and found peace and solace in surrounding herself with house plants. Willie also enjoyed using plants in creative ways in home décor, landscaping, or even in art. She was often enthusiastic about sharing her love of plants with others. Willie really saw the beauty, wonder, and value in the plant kingdom, and she found so much joy in interacting with her plants. She enjoyed so many things in life, even artistic pursuits.

She was very artistic. She possessed a keen eye for detail, a vibrant imagination, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. In addition to being creative, innovative, and unconventional, she was a true visionary. Her passion for her art form was often evident in her work and her overall approach to life. She had a rich inner world, and she explored new ideas and possibilities using her creativity and imagination.

Willie was passionate and driven in all of her artistic pursuits. She was driven to refine her skills and express herself through her chosen artistic identity. Her appreciation for beauty in the world around her was infectious. Willie made everything and the world around her more beautiful. She was drawn to patterns, colors, and textures.

She was very expressive through her communication, thoughts, feelings, and perspective in her art. Willie did not follow traditional paths or rules; she had a unique style and approach to her work. She was always seeking beauty and meaning in the world. Willie was motivated by a desire to create something beautiful or meaningful, and she found so much satisfaction in sharing her creations with others. She also had a keen sensitivity to what looked good. She will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held on July 19th at 11:00 AM at 916 Fifth Street in Boulder City, Nevada. Please no black clothing at the service, per Willie's request. Following the service, the family will hold a luncheon for the family to share memories and comfort each other.

Please send flowers for the service on July 19th to 916 Fifth Street in Boulder City, Nevada. Instead of flowers, there is a Go Fund Me (Willie) in her memory for funeral arrangements (celebration, transportation to the site, and renting areas locations) in Juneau, Alaska, for next year, in Juneau, Alaska, where her remains will be laid to rest: https://gofund.me/87320a15

Willie's ashes will be laid to rest in Juneau, Alaska, at Excursion Inlet with her parents in the summer of 2026.

Thank you to everyone who has come to support the family and the deceased during this delicate time and offered condolences to the family.

"She was the foundation of our world, and, in her absence, we are left to build our own."

Our Mother's Love

A mother's love, a timeless art,

A gentle touch, a beating heart.

Though now you rest, a peaceful sleep,

Your love's embrace, our hearts will keep.