Phyllis M. Houk, age 92, of Mount Gilead, died early Monday morning, January 24, 2011, at the Morrow County Hospital Extended Care Facility following an extended illness.
On September 18, 1918, Phyllis was born in Lykens Township of Crawford County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Sally (Miller) Brause. She graduated from Sulphur Springs High School.
Shortly following graduation, Phyllis married the love of her life, Derald Ray Houk, on March 24, 1939. In 1950, they moved as a family from Galion to a dairy farm in Mount Gilead, where they were formerly members of the Mt. Tabor Methodist Church. She was also “reluctantly” a member of the Goldwing Road Riders, often riding in a side car to spend more time with her husband. After fifty two years of marriage, he preceded her in death on April 5, 1991.
A loving homemaker, Phyllis helped in any way she was needed even if that meant milking the dairy cows on the farm. She was a member of the Morrow County Dairy Association. Nevertheless, after many years on the farm she was excited to move to town to her home on Northfield Drive.
For many years, Phyllis enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, often canning her crop. She also enjoyed sewing, and especially making dolls.
Having a heart of gold, Phyllis was a very active Orchid T.W.I.G. at the Morrow County Hospital, volunteering in many offices and helping in many capacities.
Phyllis will be dearly missed by her two sons: William (Sandra) Houk of Mount Gilead and James (LeeAnn) Houk of Silverdale, Washington; one daughter, Linda Bartley of Caledonia; three grandchildren: Melody (Anthony) Church, and Tina (Doug) Marshall, and Scott (Karen) Bartley; three great-grandchildren: Megan and Amber Church, and Shane Marshall; a brother, Jack Brause of Mesa, Arizona; a sister, Mary “Dolly” Dupruis of West Springfield, Massachusetts; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by two brothers: Gerald and Daryl Brause; and by a sister, Frances Ross.
The Houk family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring her life will be held privately by her family. Burial services will also be held privately in Shauck Cemetery near Johnsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrow County Hospital Orchid T.W.I.G., and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
For those wishing to express your private condolences online to Phyllis’ family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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