Irene Ruth (Dixon) Howe, 79, of Cherry Valley (Formerly from Arlington Hts, IL), passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Irene was born in Oak Park, IL on July 23, 1946, the daughter of Harold E. and Marguerite M. (Schlientz) Dixon. She graduated from Barrington High School, Class of 1964. Irene was highly dedicated to her lifetime career as a school bus driver, she loved working with the kids. She also put a lot of time and work into putting together care packages and sending them to the troops.

Those surviving and left to honor Irene’s memory include her children, Jana Peppin of Harvard, IL, James Howe of Cherry Valley and Jonathan Howe of Poplar Grove, grandchildren, Lezli, Elizabeth, Alexander, Joshua, Matthew, Joseph and Jamey, great-grandchildren, Hunter and Jacob, brother, John L. Dixon and numerous nieces and nephews. Irene is predeceased by her parents, brother, Paul V. Dixon and nephew Michael A. Dixon.

A funeral service will be held on June 19th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Irene gathered items to make care packages for the troops. So in lieu of flowers please donate to the the USO.org or https://www.garysinisefoundation.org

Share memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com