Margaret Houshower directed Bluffton College's first reading center

Margaret Houshower, 94, died Sept. 23, 2015, at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton. Margaret was born on Sept. 8, 1921, in Bluffton to Herbert W. and Olga (Kennel) Berky. She was a graduate of  Bluffton High School and Bluffton College ’42 where she met her husband, Mark Houshower. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before his death in 2009. 

Margaret was a middle school language arts teacher, including Bluffton and Shawnee schools. She also served on the faculty of Bluffton College where she directed the college’s first reading center. When her husband responded to a call to ministry, she embarked on a 25-year journey with him that included service to UCC churches in Fostoria, Lima and Bluffton. 

Margaret is survived by her brother, Richard Berky, and preceded in death by sisters Eleanor Lehman and Esther Reed. She is also survived by her son, Hans (Linda Beechy) Houshower and daughter Tina (Peter) Bruckner, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

A family and friends celebration of Margaret’s life is planned for a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton University.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted with Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.