Dateline: Bethalto

Esther Willis Howard, 99, died Monday, March 6, 2017 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born July 22, 1917 in Lamar, MO, she was the daughter of Reverend George and Margaret (Carter) Willis. Mrs. Howard retired from the Olin Corporation as a machine operator after 31 years of service and was a member of Community Christian Church. On February 22, 1938 she married George Washington Howard in Claremore, OK. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1994. Surviving is a daughter, Maryann Willis of Nebraska, a son, Eugene (Becky) Wrischnik of Godfrey, 8 grandchildren including Kevin Wrischnik of Georgia, Kurt (Amie) Wrischnik of Brighton, Pat (Jan) Wrischnik of Godfrey, Jonna Kay Barr of Texas, James, Debbi, Kenneth, and Jerri Ann, 37 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, John Wrischnik, six brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Dave Burger will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Community Christian Church or the Alton Crisis Food Center. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com