Caroline House

Caroline Rachel House age 90 of Alma, Michigan passed away Friday, May 15, 2009 at Schnepps Healthcare Center, St. Louis Michigan.

Caroline Rachel Wells, youngest of five children was born to Earl and Altheda Wells in Pontiac, MI on August 16, 1918. Due to hard times and the illness of her mother, at the tender age of four, Connie, as she was known, was brought "North" to live with her father's sister Libby, in Riverdale. Connie was the only "child" of Libby and Will Welch and as such, wanted for nothing, although she would never admit it.

Upon graduation from Riverdale High School she worked various jobs until meeting and marring George House on June 18, 1938. They remained in Riverdale where they raised three children; Kent, Harold and Deana. During the late 50's and early 60's they owned and operated House's Grocery in Riverdale. In February of 1992 the home where she had grown up and raised her family burned and she and George started over again in Alma.

Connie's greatest passion was music. She loved to play piano and sing. She played and sang in the choir of the Riverdale Methodist Church for many, many years. Her proudest moment was when she played at the wedding of her granddaughter Christine. She loved tree legged cups and Fostoria crystal and had an extensive collection of both until all was lost in the fire. Connie also loved to read and work crossword puzzles. In younger years there were few crosswords that she couldn't complete. After moving to Alma, she continued to make frequent trips back to Riverdale, to the library, where librarian, Marlene Fockler, would chose special books she thought Connie would enjoy.

She is survived by her son Harold (Sam Pominville) House of Alma, daughter Deana (Ken) Korpon of Arizona, daughter-in-law Margo (Larry Steffenhagen) House of Alma, grandchildren; Christine (Patrick) Collom, Kent (Jill) House Jr., Shannan (Bill) Lindsey, Carla (Tim) Gustavison and John Waters (Lori Batesel) of Arkansas, great grandchildren; Kent III and Kenya House, Morgan & Jake Lindsey, Tim & Dalelyn Gustavison, Andrew Schultz and Sean Collom, a sister Zella, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, son Kent, infant son James, daughter-in-law Carolyn, great granddaughter Abbigale, brothers; Martillo and Silas and sister Clella.

Per Connie's wishes cremation has taken place and she and George's ashes will be joined forever with a family service at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Schnepp Healthcare Center for the loving care and attention Connie received throughout her stay there. Also to the numerous friends she had there for their love and companionship. Thanks also to the staff of Southern Care Hospice for the special attention they have given her during the past few weeks, and to Smith Family Funeral Homes for their attention to arrangements. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis Chapel.

Read Caroline "Connie" House 's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.