Leona Houting, 93, died Wednesday, August 4, at home with her husband of 70 years, Vern, at her side. Born August 9, 1927, in the family home on 5th Street in Holland, Leona was the youngest of the eight children of William and Abbie Pathuis.
After graduating from Holland High School, she worked in the family grocery business and later as receptionist for Dr. William Winter. She and Vern owned and operated the Maplewood Dry Cleaners for many decades, and Leona continued to work there several hours a week until May of this year.
She was a businesswoman, wife, mother of six, and friend, and found a way to balance all her responsibilities with a cheerful attitude and a lot of flair. Leona was devoted to her family, and for many years was a “swimming mom,” never missing a meet. Even her children’s friends noticed: “No mom was so devoted to attend as many swim meets as Mrs. Houting did,” said one.
In later years, Leona’s hobbies were shopping at Family Fare and doing a daily crossword puzzle to keep her mind sharp. Known for her beautiful hats and fashion sense, Leona enjoyed cruising around town in her beloved PT Cruiser convertible while sporting her favorite orange baseball cap. She will be dearly missed by her husband Vern and six children, Mary, Tom, Tim, Dan, Jane, and John, sons- and daughters-in-law, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 9, at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, with services Tuesday, August 10, at 10 a.m. in Trinity Reformed Church, with Rev. Deb Yurk officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leona’s name to Trinity Reformed Church or Hospice of Holland. To leave condolence and more information, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
