Helen Louise Howard, 97, of South Holland IL, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:43 P.M. Wednesday November 28, 2018 at HCR Manorcare in Homewood, IL.  She was born July 13, 1921 in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Oscar and Mamie (Johnson) Carlson.  She married Woodrow Clayton Howard on January 4, 1940 at his parent’s farm home in IL.  He preceded her in death at age 94 on December 26, 2012.

 

She is survived by:  two daughters, Karen K. Gerdes of Beaver Dam, WI and Shirley (Ray) Bridgeman of New Lenox, IL; two sons, Arthur C. (Crista) Howard of Colorado Springs, CO and Jeffrey G. Howard of South Holland, IL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by:  her parents; one son, Oscar Howard; one son-in law, Marvin Gerdes; one sister, Anna “Ann” Marie Clouse; one brother-in-law, Earl E. Clouse; and two grandsons.

 

Helen was a homemaker.  Her favorite color was blue in keeping with her Swedish ancestry.  In her earlier years, she enjoyed taking care of neighborhood children, going to garage sales, and playing cards.  In her later years, she enjoyed going to the senior center, putting together jigsaw puzzles, taking care of her baby doll, and couponing.  She was blessed in her later years to be taken care of in her home by five wonderful women: Loretta Swigart, Kim Avila, Therese Swigart, Betty Ondreka, and Irene Stingley.

 

A visitation will be held at 1:00- 2:00 P.M. Saturday December 8, 2018 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 East Main Street Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Tom Cici officiating.  Burial will follow at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.

 

In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity to your favorite charity.

 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral.home.com to view Helen’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

 

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.