Sandra "Sandy" Nadine (Ingraham) Houck

Sandra Nadine Houck, 81, is now in the presence of her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed Monday, November 26, 2018 at home, with her daughter present.

Sandra had been afflicted with Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinson’s for 2 ½ years. She had been in Hospice since August, and was blessed to be in her own home, with her family close by. Sandra was born January 14th, 1937, in Alma, Michigan. She was the first born daughter to Arlie Clinton Ingraham and Trina Esther (Mapes) Ingraham.

She grew up on a farm, on the northern edge of Gratiot County, working hard to help her family. Sandra attended Riverdale elementary school, then graduated from Alma High School in 1955. She attended business school in Lansing, later beginning work as a secretary at Lobdell-Emory Refinery in Alma, “The Pew Plant”.  Her exceptional organizational skills helped her to secure employment with McClure Oil in Alma. In July 1958, Sandra flew to San Clemente CA., with her future mother in law, Elinor (Wood) Houck, to be married to Robert Lee Houck, who was on leave from the United States Marine Corp. They returned to Riverdale, MI, August 1, 1958 to begin their lives together.

Sandra lived at her Lumberjack Road home, from 1962-1988. She worked in their garden, transported her children to and from athletic and band events, helped put up wood for the furnace and worked full time. She loved to knit, crochet, read and be fully present with her family.  Sandra attended Trinity Baptist in Alma, then Faith Reformed in Traverse City. She moved to Boyne Falls following her family and attended Liberty Baptist, now (Northridge Community) Alanson, and then New Hope Community Church in Petoskey.  Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She loved to read the Bible and often could be found with it open on her lap. Generosity, faithfulness, and praying for others were her trademarks. 

Her life was marked by losses. In 1986, her beloved Bob, died of cancer at the age of 49. Twenty three years later, she lost her only son at the age of 45, to cancer. Despite these tragedies, her faith deepened. Bravely, she moved from all she knew- to Traverse City, working for Scandia Energy as office manager. Retiring in July 2003, Sandra moved into her “cozy little nest” on her daughter’s property, feathering it with her own touches and loving care. She volunteered as a bookkeeper for the local pregnancy care center. She enjoyed giving to others and working behind the scenes. She possessed a generous, servant heart. When she said she was praying for you, she meant it. She referred to herself as a “simple person” yet her actions reflected a humble heart. The family will remember her walks up and down the driveway, often accompanied by a cat or the dogs, her gentle, humble spirit, her giving towards various needs and her ardent, fervent prayers.  She will be missed greatly by many.

Sandra is survived by her daughter Bonnie (Tim) Zowada, of Boyne Falls, MI., by her grandchildren Nathan (Margret) Zowada, Petoskey, MI., Hannah (Tyler) Armantrout of Harbor Springs, MI., Rachel (Tom) Ruthig of Petoskey, MI., Teresa Zowada of Boyne Falls, MI., Caleb (Aimee) Houck, Saginaw, MI., Chris Houck, Ryan Houck and Evan Houck of Carson City, MI., Great Grandchildren Elise Armantrout and Levi Zowada.  Also surviving is her sister, Gayla (Bruce) Jones of Apache Junction, AZ., brother-in-law, Melvin (Linda) Houck, Edmore, MI., daughter-in-law Amy Houck ofCarson City, MI., Nephews, Derek Brink of Nashua, NH., Curt Houck of Edmore, MI.,  nieces, Cherri Buckmaster of Kalkaska, MI., Kristeen Jones of Mesa, AZ., Wendy Vourenma of Mt. Pleasant, MI. and Kelly Talty of Mt. Pleasant, MI.  Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband Robert, son Steven, sisters Brenda Brink and Nola Kirk as well as her nephew Gary Kirk.

The family would like to thank the Hospice nurses, health aides and chaplain. Their care of Sandra was full of compassion, professional and genuine. They each made the family’s journey more bearable. Donations to the local Petoskey Pregnancy Care Center can be made in Sandra’s memory atwww.petoskeypcc.org.

Visitation will be held at Stone Funeral Home on Sunday, December 2nd, from 3-5 p.m. Funeral Service Monday, December 3rd, 11:00a.m. at Stone Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  The service will be led by Pastor Matthew Peters.  Interment will take place Tuesday, December 4th, at Seville Township Cemetery, Riverdale, 11:30 a.m.

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