Kathleen J. Houtz

Kathleen J. Houtz, 96, passed away Friday, January 18, 2013 at Christian Care Retirement Community. She was born on June 23, 1916 in Wells County, Indiana to the late George M. and Lola F. (Pence) Gilbert. She retired in 1981 from S. S. Kresge Warehouse. She be remembered as a great cooking, her love of company and entertaining others. She enjoyed traveling to Lake Webster, Florida, scrabble, crosswords, rummikube, and reading. Surviving family include her children, Sandra (Bob) Imel of Uniondale, Gerry (Linda) Houtz of Ossian; ½ sisters, Barbara (Joe) Smeckens, Judy (John) Cupp; 8 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; and a great great grandbaby due in July. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Gerald V. Houtz; siblings, Nova Lee Barrick, Jerrold Gilbert, Sarah Lou Hunter, Robert Brickley, Clarence “Casey” Brickley; and a grandson, Todd Houtz. A funeral service will be 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 West Mill St., Ossian with visitation one hour prior to services with Pastor Troy Drayer officiating. Visitation will also be from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Ossian. Memorials may be made to Uniondale United Methodist Church.