Obituary of Letha R Houseknecht

Letha Houseknecht passed peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2017 after celebrating her 97th birthday on Monday. Our Mother was born at home in Vestal, New York on December 18, 1920 to Homer and Mabel Pullis. She started primary school on Grippen Hill and graduated from Union-Endicott High School. At 14 she met the love of her life, Kenneth Houseknecht, and they were married four years later after a prayer meeting at Tracy Creek Memorial Church where she was a lifetime member. Ken and Letha enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Ken passed away on September 9, 2000. The love and commitment that she had for Ken was exceeded only by her love and commitment to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Both relationships gave Letha many opportunities to build into the lives of everyone she met. Letha leaves behind: a host of friends, daughter Sharon and son-in-law Tom Tobbe, son Keith and daughter-in-law Brenda Houseknecht, sister Theresa, sister-in-law Justine Guldenschuh, niece Donna Watrous, grandsons Tim Tobbe and Justin Houseknecht, granddaughters Teri Welty and Alyson Bartlett, and 9 great-grandchildren. She leaves an inheritance of infinite value to her family and friends of unconditional love, warm hospitality, and lasting memories: five trips to Alaska, cruises on the Trent and Rideau, two bike trips across the United States, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondack Mountains, tenting on any flat spot, fishing, great home-cooked meals, and warm conversations. It is right that we should mourn Letha's passing even as we attempt to grasp her unspeakable joy at being held in the arms of the two she loves the most. Letha's family is grateful for your support and prayers. Calling hours will be held at Tracy Creek Memorial Church (4 Knight Road, Vestal, NY 13850) from 10-11 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 with a funeral service to follow at 11 am. They ask that donations be made to Tracy Creek Memorial Church in lieu of flowers.