Mentha Lee Howard was born September 12, 1936 in Yokum, Texas to her proud parents Ivory and Theodore Howard. Mentha was one of 10 children. She was married to Freddie Hamilton and resided in Texas where they picked cotton. Mentha moved to Denver, Colorado and made a living as a cook for years in various restaurants and country clubs.

Moving to Seattle Mentha continued working as a cook in places like Clark's Kitchen and the Northgate Bon Marche' in the Legend Room. She retired from The Bon Marche' after working there for 20 years. She also worked at the Cherry Hill Nursing Home on Friday nights before she retired.

After retiring Mentha learned to swim at the age of 57 years old. She would swim at the YMCA on 23rd and Olive three times a week up until 2010.

Mentha turned her life over to The Good Lord above. She joined the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church she was an active member from 1985 up until 2009. Mentha stepped down from the woman's missionary and mid-week prayer service due to her health. Also known as "Mother Howard" Mentha enjoyed praising The Lord with the congregation of the church. She was truly one of God's angels. Mentha enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family and church family.

Mentha's siblings; Oscar, Juniors, Ward, Millicent, King, Cornel, Rae, Josie and Geraldine.

Mentha's children; Mary, Brenda, Roy, Wayne, and Caitlin.

Mentha's grandkids; Howan, Nina and Anthony Richey, Johnny and Telisa Banks, Tracey, Montalia, Freddie, James, and Breonna.

Mentha's great grandkids; Johnnaya, Shardae' Dejanique, Johnny, Deshayla, Gerald, Ashley, Im'Unique, Nathan, C'Ajah, Craig, and Aja.