Pauline Howe, age 92, of Monmouth, died peacefully early Friday, December 24, 2021 at Avonlea Cottage in Milan, Illinois. Born in 1929 to Kenneth "Sport" and Cleo Tinkham in Oklahoma, OK, they moved to the Tinkham family farm in Kirkwood when she was three. Pauline attended the Maple Grove one room rural school before graduating Kirkwood High School in 1946 at the age of sixteen.
She first worked as a bookkeeper for Thompson Motors in Monmouth while staying at her grandparents (Robison) home. Pauline married L Max Howe in November of 1947. They enjoyed traveling, roller skating, camping, and fishing at Hickory Grove Lake (Lake Warren). At that time, she also did the bookkeeping for Max's business, Howe's Body Shop and in later years Max's Auto Supply.
Together they have four children; Paula (Jerry) Koski of Amarillo, TX, Donna Scholz of Monmouth, IL, Kevin Howe of Galesburg, IL, and Kayla Mariner of Cobb Island, MD. As a homemaker, Pauline rarely turned away any occasional job offer to baby sit, bake, wash and iron, sew, type, especially those involving bookkeeping, estate, or notary work. She was active with her children in Mothers of Twins Club (MOTC), Willits PTA, Girl Scouts, and Warren County YMCA Swim Team.
Pauline returned to work for a brief time as a nurse's aid on the night shift at Community Memorial Hospital before accepting a bookkeeping position at Wirtz Book Store which also included Broadway Storage and Scots Student Supply. During this time she took a few courses at Carl Sandburg Jr. College in accounting, computers, even cake decorating, and began to cashier for area auctioneers. As Wirtz changed ownership, Pauline moved on as bookkeeper for Cavanaughs Motors and would remain there until retirement. She continued with Scots Student Supply until Monmouth College took over the private ownership. Her last work with auctions was concluded at Hank's Auction House on North Main. Before retirement the couple still managed to rehab a neighboring home and a four unit apartment house.
With retirement, roller skating and travel returned and they would venture into dancing to the sound of the big bands or enjoying their grandchildren's activities. Pauline was particularly dedicated to her work with the Kirkwood High School Alumni.
Surviving are her children, sister Ann Colclasure of Moline, IL, sister-in-law Maradine Harrison of Tucson, AZ, grandchildren; Divina (Harold) Sullens of Chatham, IL, Jason Hager of League City, TX, Karla Scholz of New Castle, CO, Jaime Scholz of Chicago, IL, and James (Candice) Thye of Kinsbury, TX. Also surviving are great-grandchildren; Monika, Dominic, Gladys Hager, Lucas and Kylie Sullens, Daxton and Timberlyn Thye, numerous nieces, nephews, and a few cousins.
Preceding in death are her parents, husband, sons-in-laws Pete Scholz and Dave Mariner, in-laws Erma and Frank Kellogg, Jim and Judy Howe, Don Howe, and Barbara Gardner, Bill (Marilyn) Howe, and Loren (Nancy) Howe.
Honoring her former pet dogs Pal, Blackie and Princess, as well as award winning chinchillas, and a few bunnies memorials may be made to Western Illinois Animal Rescue, Monmouth, IL.
A Graveside Funeral Service for Pauline Howe will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Monmouth Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday morning prior to the service. For more information, or to leave a remembrance of Pauline, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
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