Rose Mary Howell
Rose Mary Howell age 96, formerly of Plainville and Payson, IL died on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. in Bickford Assisted Living, Quincy. Rose Mary was born at home on the family farm in Mt. Sterling, IL on December 6, 1927. She was the daughter of Alfred and Anna (Kerr) Krupps.
Rose Mary married Robert “Bob” Thomas Howell on May 5, 1951, in St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Sterling and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2016. Rose Mary was a 1949 graduate of the former St. Mary School of Nursing and began her career as a Pediatric Nurse at St. Mary Hospital. After her marriage she assumed the roles of farm wife, and volunteer community nurse helping many friends, neighbors and family with their health needs.
She was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church and was a participant in the many parish dinners and events. She was known for her potato salad as part of the Plainville Lions Club July 4th celebration. Her joy was making cookies and angel food cakes. Her huge trays of cookies for the annual Christmas Cookie Exchange were legendary. Her life revolved around family gatherings, having taken over for her mother-in-law preparing memorable meals for religious and other holidays.
Rose Mary experienced wonderful trips to the Holy Land, to Rome and the Vatican, Spain and many memorable Super Crost Seed Corn Trips. Summer trips to the Muny Opera in St. Louis to see musicals, the Fox Theater, visits to the St. Louis Zoo and picnics in Forest Park, were some of her favorite pastimes.
Rose Mary and Robert played pinochle with five other couples on a Saturday once a month for 51 years. She was a supportive mother, who was there for her children as they participated in 4-H, Band, and their other activities, and she always encouraged them to get their education. She tended to a productive garden, which her children remember as their “daycare” where she taught them at an early age how to help maintain a successful garden. In 2019 she began residing at Bickford, where staff lovingly cared for her.
Rose Mary is survived by her children, Mary Ann (Mark) Morrison of rural Plainville, IL; Susan (David) Redman of rural Bloomington, IL; James R. (Judy) Howell of rural Walcott, IA; Carol (Chuck) McNett of Florida; grandchildren, Erica Fitzgerald; Christopher Morrison; Brian Morrison (fiancée Jami Brawdy); Emily Howell; Sarah Howell; Bridget McNett (fiancé Mitchell Provow); and Kyle (Alessa Strelecki) McNett. Great-grandchildren, Madeline Fitzgerald, Andrew Fitzgerald and Mackenzie Fitzgerald; Amilya Morrison; Claire Morrison, Lane Morrison; Brendan Morrison and Will Morrison.
Many nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brothers and sisters, Laverne Krupps, Florence Carney, Regina Ruff, and A.J. Krupps.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, IL with Rev. Scott Snider officiant. Interment will be in Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, Quincy, IL. Masses may be given in her memory, or memorials may be made to St. Brigid Catholic Church or to a charity of the Donor’s Choice. Messages may be shared online at: www.dukerandhaugh.com
To Mary Ann . Susan, Jim and Carol:
My thoughts and Prayers are with you at this sad time. Of all the 4 couples that used to get together every summer, the Howells, Schneiders, Kochs and Salrins , your Mom was the sole remaining survivor. May she rest in peace with your Dad. I remember all the good times our families shared through the years. I am sure you have many good memories of your Mom. May they give your comfort at this time.
Dan Salrin
I remember those gatherings well.❤️
Thank you for your kind words.
Jim
We are remembering Rose Mary as she walked the halls of St. Mary Hospital leaving her footprints on the St. Mary Hospital legacy.
The St. Mary Hospital Community sends our heartfelt sympathy to Rose Mary’s family & friends.
Friends of St. Mary Hospital
To my sweet Godmother she was a wonderful aunt as well and will be sorely missed. Enjoy walking on the streets of gold❤️❤️❤️❤️
Carol and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
Blane and Angie Barned
My mother and her three sisters (all RNs) received their nurses training at St Mary’s. Mom was a great nurse to all of her four children. And my eldest sister Mary Ann Morrison -RN followed in her footsteps, as did her daughter Erica Fitzgerald – NP. Three generations of great nurses with wonderful bedside manners and nursing care.
What wonderful memories you have of your mother! I remember all the wonderful meals at our gatherings and how patient your mother (and all of our mothers!) were with having a bunch of boisterous kids running through the house and yard. Mom and Dad treasured their friendship with your parents. Mary Ann, Susan, Jim and Carol, you and your families are in my prayers.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. God bless her and all your family. -Anne Grady
How lovingly your Mom cared for all of us throughout our growing up years in Plainville. Her smile and gentle countenance I will always remember. Donna (Voth) French
Jim and Susan, I just saw your post about your mother’s passing. 96! What a nice long life. It doesn’t matter how long we have them, it is never long enough! Over the years I have heard each of you talk about her. You had such respect and love for her. May she rest in peace and may you and your families feel God’s love and that of your friends.
Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you in your memories of her.
As Dan Salrin pointed out, this is the passing of an era. Even though I was younger I remember having fun and playing with your parents, the Salrins and Schneiders. Good memories! I wish all the Howells the best and know that the good memories will live on. God bless you all.