Pauline Howe, age 92, of Monmouth, died peacefully early Friday,
December 24, 2021 at Avonlea Cottage of Milan. 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 the 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 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, Princess, 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.
