Ethel M. Houchins

Ethel M. Houchins, 97, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at her residence.

She was born in Lockland, Ohio, near Cincinnati, on February 8, 1927, the daughter of the late Clarence and Theresa (Lohmueller) Steggeman.  

On July 3, 1948, she married Grover Thomas Houchins in Reading, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on October 4, 2000. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers and seven sisters, and a son-in-law, Tom Smith.

She is survived by her three children, Kathy Smith and Janice (Paul) Aldo, all of Bellefontaine, and Daniel Houchins of Dublin, grandchildren, Jeff (Abby) Aldo, Todd (April) Aldo, Paul (Michelle) Aldo, Beth (Tim) Kerns, Kim (Todd) Case, and Caitlyn Houchins, 11 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild., a sister, Edna Steggeman Adams of Cincinnati, numerous nieces and nephews.

Ethel worked for D.A.B. in Bellefontaine for 34 years before her retirement.  She enjoyed playing cards with her family, especially Skip-Bo the last number of years. She was a longtime active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church along with St. Vincent DePaul and she volunteered with the Mary Rutan Hospital Guild. She enjoyed knitting and made numerous lap robes, which she donated to area nursing homes. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and playing golf.

The family would like to give special thanks to Ethel’s two caregivers, Amy and Vicki and to the staff of Universal Home Health for all of the wonderful care provided.

Father Shawn Landenwitch will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 E. Patterson Ave, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, where there will be a Rosary service at 7pm Friday night.  Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 E. Patterson Ave, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.  

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Houchins family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.

TFD