Obituary of Geneva Houghtaling

Geneva Bernice (Walter) Houghtaling, the daughter of August and Anna (Schultz) Walter, was born on May 10, 1916 in Francisville, Indiana. She grew up near Peterson, Iowa, where she attended the Brooke Consolidated School, and graduated from Linn Grove High School. She married Ronald Hinkson Houghtaling on July 26, 1941 in Storm Lake, Iowa. In her younger years, she was a waitress in Spencer, Iowa. During the time she was raising her children, Vicki Joy and Derek Walter, Geneva was a Sunday school teacher, church youth-group leader, and a Cub Scout den mother. Later, she became a waitress at the Pike Café and Steakhouse in Sanborn, Iowa. She had many special customers at the Pike who would often request her as their waitress. Geneva was a lady who was never too busy for a cup of coffee with a friend. She focused on the “good” in people. She had an appreciation for God’s work in nature, and a very special place in her heart for animals. Geneva’s sense of humor was ever-present. Her family will remember her as the most loving grandmother and great-grandmother. When she wasn’t visiting with people or spending time with her family, she enjoyed gardening, her pets, dancing and reading. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and Women’s Club, and a founding member of the TIM investment club. She passed away at the Sanford Sheldon Hospital on Good Friday, March 21, 2008 at the age of 91. Survivors include her daughter, Vicki Joy Houghtaling Luke and her husband William Peter Luke of Fairfield, Ohio; two grandchildren: Lisa Luke-Meador and her husband Daniel Meador, and Lance William Luke and his wife Sharon Scott Luke; four great grandchildren: Taylor Ann Meador, Alexandra Danielle Meador, Hannah Elise Meador, and William Garrett Luke; a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ronald; her son Derek; a sister Leone Walter Tigges; and a brother Edward Harold Walter. In loving memory of Geneva Houghtaling Born ~ May 10, 1916 Died ~ March 21, 2008 Age ~ 91 years 10 months 11 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2008 First Presbyterian Church Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Gregg Johnson Organist ~ Gayle Vander Woude Congregational Singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” “Amazing Grace” Special Music ~ Allene Baichtal and Anne Koontz “In the Garden” “On Eagles’ Wings” Pallbearers Kenneth Tigges Jerry Fastenow Jared Walter Larry Carlson Ron Oolman David Muilenberg Ushers Leonard Postma Howard Postma Flower Attendants Jeanette Endorf MaryAnne Huibregtse Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, IA