Surname spelled both Howery and Howrey.
Daughter of Jacob and Sally Howery.
Theora was married three times, first to John Billman (20 Oct 1870, Shelby Co) - then to Charles Wells (28 Apr 1886, Marion Co) - lastly to John Gonce (24 Oct 1903, Shelby Co).
In the 1880 census, she is listed as Theora Bilman (25, IN) widowed with 3 children (Elva, Melvin, and Maggie).
Listed with John “Gouty” in 1910 census at age 52, married 7 yrs, and 7 of her 10 children living. With them is daughter Blanche Wells.
[Obituary] Shelby Democrat - 22 June 1911
Mrs. John Gonce
Mrs. Theora Gonce, wife of John Gonce, died at their home, 142 east Franklin street, at 8:10 o’clock last evening, of diabetes, from which she had been suffering for several months, aged fifty-five years, five months and one day.
Mrs. Gonce was born and reared in the northern part of this county and Mr. Gonce was her third husband. She was first united in marriage to John Billman and to that union three children were born, all of whom survive. They are Lewis Billman of St. Louis; Mrs. Elva Justice of Freeport, and Mrs. Maggie Parsel of this city. She was later married to Charles Wells, who died after four children had been born to bless that union. They are Harry of Cincinnati; Roy of Dewey, Ill.; Mrs. Blanche McCormick, of Greensburg, and Mettie Swafford, of this city. She also leaves two brothers and four sisters – George Howery, of Hancock county; John Howery, of Lincoln City; Mrs. Mollie Stephens, of St. Louis; Mrs. Christina Young, Mrs. Ellen Fox, and Mrs. Sylvia Graham, all of this county. Mrs. Gonce was a member of the M. P. church at Freeport, near which place she resided many years. She was a member of the Lady Macabees of this city, which order will have charge of the funeral services.
The funeral services will be held at the late residence of the deceased at two o’clock Monday afternoon by Rev. Lydy, of Gwynneville, and interment will be made in the Marion cemetery in charge of Stewart & Fix.