Southern Illinoisan newspaper Sept. 15, 2014 FREEMAN SPUR -- Irene H. Howell, 91, passed away at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Parkway Manor in Marion. Irene formerly worked at Colonial Manor in Zeigler and Mattingly Nursing Home in Energy. She was born Jan. 20, 1923, in Freeman Spur to Stanley and Della (Rudzinski) Stomberski. Irene was united in marriage with Dale M. Howell on April 20, 1945, in Tampa Bay, Florida. He preceded her in death Jan. 27, 1987. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy R. and Joel Thomas of Lake of Egypt; son and daughter-in-law, Randy L. and Marian Howell of Herrin; daughter-in-law, Linda Howell of Sesser; five grandchildren, Joseph Burton of Chicago, Joshua (Lindsay) Burton of Carbondale, Heather (James) Burkhalter of Marion, Patricia Howell of Herrin and Jamey VanZandt of Mount Vernon; three great-grandchildren, Dante Burkhalter, Brooke Burkhalter and Autumn Burkhalter; sister-in-law, Delores Stomberski of Herrin; and special best friend, Linda Tabor of Orient. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, David Lynn Howell and Gary L. Howell; sister, Sophia "Sophie" Murray; and three brothers, Alex Stomberski, Frank Stomberski and Harry Stomberski. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy with the Rev. Randy Carney officiating. Family and friends are asked to gather at the cemetery prior to the services. Memorial donations are suggested and may be made to the activity department at Parkway Manor, 3116 Williamson County Parkway, Marion, IL 62959, and will be accepted at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2071, Herrin, IL 62959. The family of Irene Howell wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff, nurses and CNAs at Parkway Manor in Marion for the excellent care and concern provided to her and her family. To leave a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.meredithwaddell.com.