On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Mary Louise Howerton, 87, of Quincy, died at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.
James and Elnora (Peterson) Bradley welcomed Mary into the world on March 18, 1938, in Sterling, Illinois. On June 28, 1958, she married John D. Howerton in Sterling, Illinois. He passed away on March 23, 2011, before her.
Her three children, Paula Meckes (Tim) of Danville, KY, John Howerton (Merritt) of Fishers, IN, and Jim Howerton (Lisa) of Quincy, are among the survivors. Her six grandchildren are Alexandra Heckert (Michael) of Nicholasville, KY, Madeline Meckes of Arlington, VA, Savannah Harker (Dylan) of Shelbyville, IN, Valarie Howerton of Chicago, IL, and McKenna Howerton of Fishers, IN. Her four great-grandchildren are Mason, Archer, Luca, and Georgia.
Mary’s husband, parents, aunt Helen, and one brother-in-law, Greg Howerton, all passed away before her.
Mary, a Sterling native and alumnus of Newman High School, had a varied and significant career path. She applied her careful abilities to a variety of positions, such as Gully Transportation, Quincy Casket, Crescent Electric, Community Counseling Center, and bookkeeper for the Illinois State Bank in accounting. Mary’s caring nature also brought her to work as a caregiver at Carelink, where her sensitivity and kindness changed the lives of many. But her love for her family and her many pursuits never overwhelmed her job. The rhythm of dancing was a major part of Mary’s early years, and she loved teaching her kids and grandkids about it. In her younger years, she was also a skilled ice skater and frequently traveled to Chicago to see the Ice Capades. She had several treasured trips to the Quincy Community Theatre, demonstrating her love of musicals.
Mary was a superb baker, and her apple pies and cookies were the talk of the family get-togethers. She had a wide range of musical inclinations and was frequently heard belting out the classic tunes of Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, and Nat King Cole. Mary was a puzzle aficionado, bridge player, and voracious reader with an insatiable curiosity. She also loved to travel, taking unforgettable vacations to places like Hawaii and Ireland, and she also relished the small joys of day trips.
Mary loved spending time with her family above anything else. She frequently attended her grandchildren’s athletic activities and dancing performances, consistently providing her steadfast support and encouragement. Her affectionate disposition was demonstrated by her visits to family members, no matter how far away they lived. Mary’s life was a stunning mosaic of joy, love, and service. Many people were impacted by her warmth, and future generations will remember her commitment to her family.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, friends and family are welcome to visit St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois.Fr. Ken Ahanonu will preside over a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Stewart Cemetery in Plainville, Illinois, will be the final resting place.
Quincy Community Theatre’s Barbara Rowell Endowment Fund is accepting memorial donations.
You can view the video tribute and send condolences online at www.ODonnellCookson.com.
