"Dear Howell Family, Hope you remember me...one of your old neighbors. So sorry to hear about your Mother. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Take care... Tammy Hatfield-Roth"
In loving memory of
Shirley J. Howell
December 3, 1932 - January 20, 2011
SHIRLEY HOWELL MUSCATINE, Iowa - Shirley J. Howell, 78, of Muscatine, died on Thursday, January 20, 2011, at Lutheran Homes. Funeral Service will be 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Reverend Jason Crossen of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish will officiate the service. Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Troy Freyermuth, Matthew Howell, Ryan Howell, Chad Czerwiec, Austin Czerwiec, and Travis Boyle. A funeral luncheon will be held at Gannon Hall following the committal service. Burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the Muscatine Humane Society. Shirley was born on December 3, 1932, in Muscatine, the daughter of Louis and Violet Edington O'Brien. She married Robert L. Howell on May 2, 1953, in Davenport. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2000. She started working at Woolworth's Department Store and later did upholstering for family and friends. She was a member of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish and attended St. Mathias Church and was a member of the Women's Bowling Association. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, fishing, bowling, going to the river boats, Saturday night card games and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Those left to honor her memory include two sons, Steven R. Howell and wife, Sheila, of Muscatine, and David W. Howell and wife, Patricia, of Muscatine; three daughters, Pamela K. Fullerton of Muscatine, Vicki J. Boyle and husband, Ky, of Moline, Illinois, and Connie S. Czerwiec and husband, Dean, of Muscatine; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Ruby Bosten of Eaton, Ohio, Peggy Deitering of Poway, California, and Ruth O'Brien of Wapello. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son-in-law, Thomas Fullerton; one brother; and one sister.
Tributes
"Our deepest sympathy to the entire Howell family. Shirley has always been 'a rock' for all of you. God Bless"
"Sheila and Steve: You have our Deepest Sympathy during this most difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers Lowell and Clare Snyder"
"Mothers"And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her.And they said, "We cannot see her, but she is with us still.A Mother is more than a memory. She is a living presence. Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and the perfume that she wore.She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well,she's your breath in the air on a cold winters day.She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep,the colors of a rainbow,she is your birthday morning.Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop.A mother shows every emotion; happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow; and all the while hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take.She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy,but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space, not even death!"
"To the entire Howell Family, We were so terribly saddened when we read of Shirleys passing on the computer. We have very fond memories of Shirley and having been neighbors of the family for many years. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to each and every one of you at this most difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy and you will be in our hearts and prayers."
"To the entire family, Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was such a part of my life growing up. I can remember going across the street to your house daily and the fun times that were had there....and maybe a little yelling at us all!! Shirley had a zest for life and will be missed. Keep your memories close to your heart. Patty Ross Beal"
"To the Howell family, I was so sad to read of Shirley's passing. I have so many happy memories of all of you from Highland Court. My deepest sympathies. Take care, Carolyn Reifert"