Lou Howell

Louella C. Howell

Age 84 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at her home.

Born March 25, 1940 in Wilmington, Louella Christine was a daughter of Harry and Bertha (Bridges) Waldron. She was raised and educated in Wilmington, and completed her Associate's Degree in Nursing at Joliet Junior College. On June 9, 1956, Lou married James Lewis Howell, and together they would make their home in Wilmington and raise their four children.

She worked as a registered nurse, spending the majority of her career working at Royal Willow Nursing Home in Wilmington, until she retired at the age of 72 and after 20 years of service. Anyone who knew Lou was aware of her love of all things Christmas. She collected countless Santa Claus figures, and was able to share that love with her husband who regularly represented Santa during the holiday season. Lou truly felt and shared the magic of Christmas, and she treasured the great memories she created with her family over the years because of that holiday.

She also took great pleasure in traveling, especially to national parks such as Yellowstone National Park or to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Lou could easily pass the time by working one of her crossword puzzle books or spending time on the computer or genealogy. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying Presidential biographies with JFK being one of her favorites. Lou also collected cook books and demonstrated her abilities in the kitchen on a regular basis. But she was happiest when she was with her loved ones, truly blessed to see her family tree blossom over the years, and was proud of the love and memories she was able to share with them.

Survivors include four children: Christine (Calvin) Flint of Braidwood, IL, James Jr. (Gina) Howell of Coal City, IL, Daniel (Kathy) Howell of Woodridge, IL, and Peggy Novy of Reddick, IL; (10) grandchildren: Brandy (Joe)  Scheer of Coal City, IL, Nicole (Doug Richey) Flint of Braidwood, IL, Tiffani (Ron) Picco of Bolingbrook, IL, Ashley (Sean) Kendall of Wheaton, IL, Amber Howell of Hobe Sound, FL, Kayla (Cole) Schoolman of Kenwood, TX, Jackie (Brian) Hedrick of Wilmington, IL, Ashton (Cristian) Orozco of Romeoville, IL, Abby Novy (fiancé, Joey Etzkorn) of Cullum, IL, and Collin (Kayla) Borden of Aurora, IL; (11) great grandchildren: Austin, Hayley, Kylee, Cody, Cayden, Nathan, Emmett, Liam, Quinn, Keira, and Rae; (2) sisters: Lorraine Vilt of Carbon Hill, IL, and Leila Rhodes of Wilmington, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Dan Murphy of Wilmington, IL and Betty Waldron of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Howell, Sr.; brothers and sisters: Lester Waldron, Louise Skubic, Leonard Waldron, Leroy Waldron, and Lloyd Waldron, two brothers-in-law, John C. Howell, Jr. and William Howell, one sister-in-law, Karen Murphy, and her son-in-law, Cary Novy.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. Those who wish to join the funeral services virtually are invited to join the livestream on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., which can be found on Lou's memorial page.

Burial will follow the funeral at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington, where Lou will be laid to rest with her husband, Jim. Lou's grandchildren will act as pallbearers.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Lou's memory to Operation St. Nick, P.O. Box 781, Morris, Illinois, 60450.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Lou's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.