Esther L. Howarth, 97 passed away at 6:55 am on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton with her family by her side.                                                                                    

She was born on October 19, 1914 in Chilton, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Abby (Castonia) Howarth.

Esther received a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin and a Masters Degree from Northwestern University.  She was a lifelong educator in the Rockford School District.  She was active in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Zeta Chapter for 53 years.  She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge and investment groups.

She is survived by great nieces and nephews, including Terry (Carol) Tellefson of Holiday Shores, IL.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Edna Barwick and Lucille Jameson, brothers, Morris and Raymond Howarth, and two nephews, Bill (Bette) Barwick and John (Karen) Jameson.

The family would like to thank the staff of United Methodist Village in Godfrey, Rosewood Care Center in Alton, Vitas Hospice Care for their loving care of Esther.

A funeral Mass is pending at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto.

Burial will be at a later date at Oakdale Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences and guestbook can be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com