Arlene O. Howarth

Arlene Odessa Howarth, 100 of Mendota, IL, passed away on September 2, 2023, at Wesley Willows in Rockford, IL, with her nieces and sister at her side.

Arlene was born on October 15, 1922, to George and Marie Arvilla (Sluiter) Wessels in Freeport, IL.

Arlene was a woman of great determination and possessed a strong will even as a child. Everything she put her mind to would be accomplished beautifully just as she intended it to be.

She married John Alfred (Jack) Howarth on July 3, 1944, in Rapid City, SD. Not having children of their own, Arlene got great enjoyment from her nieces and nephews.

Arlene's husband, Jack, was a salesman, and instead of staying home, she went on the road with him and sold lines of Aftab brass, handkerchiefs, sachets, and such to local shops. It was while traveling that Arlene began to collect antiques and acquired an impressive collection including Buffalo Pottery's Deldare Ware, Royal Bayreuth, and signed pieces of L.C. Tiffany. Her collection was impressive, but what brought her the most joy was teaching people about her collections and the stories behind them.

Survivors include siblings, Charlotte Mauk of Roscoe, and Dorothy Wood of Hartford, WI; nieces and nephews, Thom Wessels, Fern McCammond, Susan Ross, Martha Wessels, David G. Mauk, Jane McCormick, Kate Wood, and Seth Wessels. Predeceased by parents, husband, Jack; siblings, Dolores, George, James and Marilyn; nephews, Michael, Thad and Jim Wessels; and niece, Peggy Howarth Numbers.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Willwood Burial Park in Rockford.

Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory.