Ruth Howlett

WESTFIELD – Ruth Olivia Howlett, 74, of Westfield, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at HSHS St. John's Hospital, Springfield.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Caudill-King Funeral Home, with Pastor Rick Emrich officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Omer Cemetery, rural Ashmore.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Ruth was born August 19, 1943 at Terre Haute, Indiana, daughter of Wayne Theodore and Mary Camilla (Fowler) Kearns.  She married Clinton Leon Howlett, September 12, 1961 at San Diego, CA.  He preceded her into Heaven, March 8, 2014.  She is survived by their children: Debra Jones of Westfield, Lisa (Tony) Slater of Martinsville, Sheley (Jason) Wilhoit of Kansas, and Mary (Todd) Edwards of Westfield.  One brother: Bill (Ruth) Kearns of Mattoon, as well as twenty-one grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ruth retired from Lake Land College as an Education Benefits Analyst.  She was a member of the Westfield Baptist Church.  She enjoyed mushroom hunting, reading, and camping, but she felt the best treasures she had in life were her family.  Ruth truly cherished her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.