Angela Christine Houtz passed on to her eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Kalispell Regional Hospital with her family at her side.
Angela was born on October 20, 1976 in Missoula, MT to Earl and Karla Houtz.  Though her birth was normal and without incident, her life and the lives of her family were drastically altered for 39 years when she began suffering intense seizures at four months of age.  For many years her seizures were not able to be controlled for more than short periods of duration, and began taking their toll on her mental and physical abilities.  Treasured are those years before she turned two years old when our little Angel could sing four verses of “Amazing Grace”, which remains our family anthem.  
Angela attended special education classes in various Kalispell schools until she reached 22, enjoying the focused attention she received by so many caring teachers.  One of the skills that she did learn well was how to drink through a straw, quite an achievement for that period of her life.
Angela spent her entire life in the care of her parents who were assisted by loving and caring medical personnel, among whom were Dr. Wallace Wilder and Dr. Mark Sorenson in her earlier years, and Angela’s physician and friend, Ann Bukacek, and neurologist, Bret Lindsay, in Angela’s later years.  
Angela enjoyed hugging everyone who came close to her. Going on walks with her parents was fun for her, but even more exciting for Angela was for Dad and Mom to take her for bike rides while she sat in her bike trailer behind them.  Another of the highlights of her life was to go camping with her family, especially at Logan State Park.  So very special to her also was attending church on Sunday morning where she would hold on to her Dad during the praise and worship service, often humming in only the way Angela could.
Though her family could not foresee the future at her birth, Angela Christine was named so appropriately—an Angel from Christ.  Those that knew her could easily tell that she radiated the unconditional love of God.  Every member of Angela’s family can attribute their relationship with the Lord to having known their precious Angela. Her friends and family grieve with their loss, but are rejoicing in the knowledge that in her new home she is now talking, walking, and singing—even louder than she used to squeal!
Angela is survived by her parents, Earl and Karla Houtz, sisters Jeni LeGassey and husband Eric, Laura McIntosh and husband Gary; nieces and nephews Jeffrey & Shanea Tritten, Joshua & Jessica LeGassey, Jordan Tritten, Jonathan & Moriah LeGassey, Jaben Tritten, Morgan McIntosh, Julia Tritten, Jade LeGassey, Kyler McIntosh, Ashlyn McIntosh, Justine LeGassey, and Shannae McIntosh; great-nephews and nieces Jett Tritten, Archer LeGassey, Haylee Tritten, and Scarlet Sportsman, plus uncles, aunts, and cousins, all who made her life so rich and full of reciprocating love.  Also surviving Angela is her church family at Adventure Church of Kalispell, and her pastor Jim Davey.  
Angela was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Earl and Marie Houtz of Great Falls, MT, her maternal grandparents, Lowell and Laura Gilman of Alder, MT, and uncle Glenn Gilman of Denver, CO.  
Angela’s memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Adventure Church, 348 Second Street West, Kalispell, MT.  Interment will be the next day at Taylor Cemetery near Alder, MT, where she will be laid to rest next to her maternal grandparents.  
Memorials in Angela’s name may be given to Hope Pregnancy Ministries, 1281 Burns Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.  Contributions to the family may be sent to the Angela Houtz Memorial Account at any Whitefish Credit Union office.  

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