Ethel Howerton, 85, of Rt. 3, Du Quoin, died Saturday, March 24, at 5:55 p.m., in Marshall Browning Hospital. She had been in failing health the past two years.

      Born in Perry County March 25, 1899, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Lillie Mae (Webster) Fred. On May 2, 1916 in Pinckneyville, she married Roy Howerton who preceded her in death on Aug. 16, 1965. A lifetime resident of the community, she was a member of Hope Rebekah Lodge No. 15, the First Baptist Church and the Fidelis Class.

      Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Lester (Rosalie Mae) Green of Du Quoin; two sons, Loren Howerton of Du Quoin and Ray Howerton of Carbondale; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

      Besides her parents and husband, two sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

      Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m., from Neal Memorial Chapel with Rev. Bill C. Clark officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.