Sandra Sue Soles Houchins
December 06, 2016
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Service Details
Sandra Sue Soles Houchins, 72, died peacefully while surrounded by her husband and daughters at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
Sandy was born in Fairmont, West Virginia on May 15, 1944, the daughter of Jim and Roxie Soles. She graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1962, attended West Virginia University, Fairmont State College, and graduated from West Liberty State Teacher’s College in 1967. On August 28, 1965, she married Charles (Chig) Houchins. After a short career as a teacher, she dedicated her life to raising her three daughters. Although she always considered West Virginia her home, she lived in Virginia and Illinois before settling in Iowa in 1980.
She was an active member of Windsor United Methodist Church and a committed volunteer for Hospice, Camp Wesley Woods, and countless other organizations. For the last 18 years, she found great joy in teaching senior fitness classes at The Lodge of Ashworth.
She will be remembered by her husband of 51 years, Chig; three daughters, Lisa Houchins (Brendan McCallum), Betsy Houchins (Hal Lunsford), and Carrie Houchins-Witt (Corey Houchins-Witt); and six grandchildren, Olivia, Sean and Gavin Houchins-McCallum, Christian Lunsford, and Waylon and Carter Birch Houchins-Witt. She had a special place in her heart for her high school girlfriends (the “Polar Belles”), her Saturday morning breakfast group, the Maharrys, and many other family members and friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Patty Haberbosch.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and the funeral service on Monday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Windsor United Methodist Church, 6222 University Ave. in Des Moines.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Windsor United Methodist Church, Hospice of Central Iowa (Kavanagh House), or the American Cancer Society. And, for heaven’s sake, please do NOT send gladiolas. Sandy hated gladiolas.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Michael Smith
12/11/2016
Betsy and Family,
Sending you my warmest thoughts with hope that you will be comforted by wonderful memories.
Gary & Kay Hendershot
12/10/2016
Chig and Family...we are grieving for you and with you knowing that Sandy is in a better place. She will be missed but never forgotten. I will always remember her up early, making coffee and sending us off on our annual golf trip like a bunch of boys on their first Boy Scout camp out.
Cristy Bidler
12/09/2016
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Carol Taylor
12/09/2016
Dear Chig, Lisa, Betsy and Carrie,
Our hearts are with you.
A special note to Sandy and Chig's Grandchildren - Sandy's bright eyes sparkled even Brighter and her wonderful smile became Broader when she spoke so Lovingly of you.
God Bless your Family.
Beverly Nolte
12/09/2016
I didn't know your wife, Chig, but I know you and want to express to you and your family my sympathy in the passing of your wife. May you find God's peace knowing she is home for Christmas. She has lit up the Christmas tree in heaven. I am thinking of you during these sad days.
Mary Cummins
12/08/2016
To: Sandy's family-I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a great lady. I hope that you will find comfort in all your memories. Know that she is now at peace and out of pain. She is now in the loving arms of God. God Bless Your Family. Mary Cummins from the Lodge of Ashworth.
Nancy Moore
12/08/2016
Chig, Lisa, Betsy and Carrie I wish I could be there to give you a hug. I am so sorry. I hope your memories sustain you. God Bless you and your families. We will all miss Sandy.
Nicole Roberts Burley
12/08/2016
I love you all so much. You are like an extended family to me in so many ways. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have many very fond memories of Sandy - or Mother Houchins, as she used to let me call her. She raised 3 exceptionally strong, loving, smart, kind daughters and I know she will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences to all of you.
Len Eberhart
12/07/2016
Dear Chig, Lisa, Betsy and Carrie,
There aren't words sufficient for a time like this. We grieve with you and pray for a deep sense of comfort from the One who is able to support and care for you best.
May Divine peace sustain you as you make your way through these very difficult days.
Love,
Len
Phyllis Goodman
12/07/2016
I knew Sandie only as the mother of Lisa, Betsy, and Carrie. She was funny and outspoken and raised 3 terrific women.