Virginia Howland
Granite City | Save
Virginia Lee Howland, 97, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on January 24, 1929, in Madison, Illinois, Virginia was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas F. and Bertie Louise (Maxon) Hobbs.
In 1948, Virginia married the love of her life, John E. Howland, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly five decades until John’s passing on October 24, 1996. Their love story was one of commitment, laughter, and deep family roots.
In her younger years, Virginia worked for many years at Obear-Nester Glass Company in East St. Louis. No matter how busy life became, family always came first. Her greatest joy was time spent with those she loved most — children, grandchildren, and generations beyond.
Virginia embraced life with a joyful spirit and an infectious laugh. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, where she shared friendship and fun, and even celebrated a special honor when her group’s float won first place in the Granite City Christmas Parade. She loved life, loved to laugh, and above all, loved her family — a legacy that will live on through them.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her siblings: Lillian Jones, Joyce Smith, Eileen Howard, Patricia Ruiter, Louise Crabtree, Shirley Green, Ralph Hobbs, Thomas Hobbs, and Marshall Hobbs.
She leaves behind her loving children: Linda (Dennis) Isaak, Sharon (Dennis) Hall, Randy (Carol) Howland, and Curtis (Doris) Howland, all of Granite City, Illinois. Virginia was a proud and devoted grandmother to thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and twenty great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois, followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved John at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made in Virginia’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, with donations accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
