WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Hilma M. Houts passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Hilma was born Jan. 30, 1916 in Fabius Township, St. Joseph County, the daughter of Elmer and Edna Pulver.
She married Elmer S. Houts, Jr. on July 16, 1936 and raised five children, Lewis (Edie) Houts of Plano, Texas, Martha (Carl) Stakes of Kerrville, Texas, Mary Joe (Dan) Livingston of Bruce Crossing, Betty (Phil) Knapp of Lawton and Dr. Larry Houts of Chillicothe, Ohio. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Larry, Renate, Darci, Denise, Tina, Mike, Lori, Rena, Will and Carrie; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; grandson, Mark Livingston; sister, Anita Miller of Fort Wayne, Ind.
She lived most of her life in the Three Rivers area where she grew up and raised her family. Hilma was an active member of her church, First Presbyterian of Three Rivers, and was welcomed by the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portage when she lived at Hope Woods in Kalamazoo. She moved to White Oaks Assisted Living of Lawton in 2011.
Hilma attended and graduated in Three Rivers and attained a teaching certificate at Western Normal. She taught at Edwards Corners and Flowerfield County schools. She completed her education at Western Michigan University, BA, 1959, and MA, 1963 and was a teacher in the Three Rivers Community Schools. Her interests included gardening, needle work, bowling and reading.
In accordance with Hilma’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in the spring of this year.
Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1018, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093 in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com.
