Ruth Howell

Ruth Howell, 87, formerly of Roscoe and Stillman Valley passed away on May 4, 2020. Born in Monroe Center, Illinois on October 23, 1932, she was the youngest daughter of the late Stanley and Dorothy (Tyler) Woodworth. Ruth graduated from Monroe Center High School and attended Rockford College. On October 29, 1952 she married Bruce Howell at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rockford. They raised 5 children in New Milford, Rockford and Stillman Valley. Ruth was a devoted caregiver to her daughter Mary. She loved her family and was never happier than at family events or gatherings. She wrote weekly to her daughter, Sister Mary Clare, and looked forward to their visits at the Poor Clare Monastery. Ruth enjoyed fall foliage trips, square dancing, and gardening. She loved animals, and her bird feeders were always full.
Ruth is survived by those who loved her most, her children John (Susan) of Rockford; Jerry (Paula) of Post Falls, ID, Sister Mary Clare of Rockford; and Jay (Sue) of Dixon; her grandchildren: Dawn (Dustin) Burton; Jacob (Jodi) Howell, Jordan Howell, Lindsay Howell, Ashley (Derek) Lauritzen; Abby (Terry) Cox; Zachary (Katelyn) Howell; Maryssa (Shane) Albert; Kayci (Nathan) Terveer; and Baylie Howell; 12 great-grandchildren; In-laws, Patricia (Victor) Cascio; Nancy (Julio) Pro; Karen (Bill) Klaske; Dennis (Jan) Howell and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death in 2015 by her husband of 63 years, Bruce; her daughter Mary Kathleen in 2004; her brothers, Arnold (Marjorie) Woodworth and Gerald (Arleen) Woodworth; her sisters Ethel (Don) Horn, Shirley (Robert) Erickson, Ina (Sid) Butler and Ellen (Bert) Egeland and granddaughter Kelsey Rose.
At this time funeral services are private to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Poor Clare's and St. Mary's Oratory.