Viola F. Howe

Viola Florene Howe, 93, of Havana, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on October 14, 1930, in St. Mary’s Township, Plymouth, Illinois to Roy E. and Adelia Esther (Wier) Sellars, and was the fifth of six children. She married Lyle Howe on September 6, 1959, in Macomb, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 20, 2023.

Viola is survived by her sister, Irene Sellars of Plymouth, Illinois; her children, Larry Howe of Havana, Jan (Jack) O’Bryant of Canton, Missouri, Joyce (Randy) Fairow of Easton, Illinois, Janie (Jason) Jones of Table Grove, Illinois, and son-in-law, Steve Marshall of Havana; grandchildren, Christopher Boggs, Jill (Kyle) Cookingham, Clint (Johanna) O’Bryant, Sydney Marshall, Jett Jones, Jada Jones, and Zachary Marshall; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her daughter, Joan Marshall and infant son, Garry Howe; her parents; one brother, Glen Sellars; and three sisters, Lucille Howe, Lola Shoup, and Hazel Sellars.
As the matriarch of her large family, Viola delighted in visits with her daughters and their families, and always welcomed any opportunity to watch her grandchildren and impart the importance of her faith and strong morals. She was the biggest supporter of her son, Larry. Her hobbies – gardening, sewing, board games, and playing the piano – reflected a life of intention and joy. She spent nearly 50 years cultivating her home and looked forward to hosting large family gatherings during the holidays. Her grace, intellect, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In keeping with her wishes, private family graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Advantage program at Mason District Hospital in care of Viola Howe. Online memorials can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.