Ila Joan Howard, Janesville  (1930 - 2013)

October 2, 1930 - January 1, 2013
Ila Joan Howard, 82, of Janesville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at Cedar Crest Health Center. Ila was born on Oct. 2, 1930, in Beloit, the daughter of Charles and Alice (Haynes) Walker. She graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1948. She married Charles B. Howard on Nov. 11, 1951. Following their marriage, they resided in Kentucky, while Charles served in the Army. Following his discharge, they lived in Harmony Township where they farmed on the Howard family farm until 1965, when they moved into Janesville. Ila was a member of Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church for over 50 years where she was a member of the Carol Fox Circle. She formerly volunteered at Rock Haven Nursing Home. After Charles retired, the Howard’s enjoyed spending winters in Texas, where Ila was a member of the Red Hat Society. She loved reading to her grandchildren and had the patience of a saint.
Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Charles B. Howard; four children: Karen (Hal) Van Tuyl of Janesville, Bruce Howard of Janesville, Rex (Barbara) Howard of Strum, WI, Jeff (Deb) Howard of Janesville; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Van Meter of Beloit; one brother, Jerry (Alice) Walker of Roscoe, IL. In addition to her parents, Ila was preceded in death by two sisters, Verna Austin, Barbara Cole; and one brother, John Austin.
“A special thanks to the Cedar Crest Staff for befriending our mother and for all of the care and compassion shown to her and her family”.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, from 10 until 11 a.m. at ROCK PRAIRIE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 8605 East County Road A, Janesville, with services to follow at 11 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Jamie Swanson will officiate. Private burial will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. The family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME.