Sally Joan Houck

In memory of Sally Joan Houck, loving mother, wife, pastor, social justice advocate, and cherished friend, who passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, at the age of 72. Sally was born on August 5, 1952, to loving parents William Richard Riekert and Doris Elaine Grove.

Born in Schenectady, New York, Sally grew up in Erie, PA. After spending college years in PA and CA, she and John started their family in Minneapolis, MN and welcomed their second child in Iowa City, IA, before settling in Hershey, PA, in 1983. By 1990, Sally and her family found their home in Edmond, OK, where she lived her final years.

Sally loved learning, earning a Teaching Certificate in California, a Master of English Literature from the University of Minnesota in 1983, a Master of Christian Education from Oklahoma City University in 1997, and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2003.

First feeling a call to ministry as Director of Children’s Ministry at Peace Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK during the 1990’s, Sally was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2004. She served as interim pastor at Joy Lutheran Church in Tulsa, OK, before becoming the pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, OK, where she ministered from 2006 to 2022. She cherished her role in the church and especially loved providing pastoral care to her congregation, the mentally ill, and the homeless. Her lifelong commitment to learning and service was evident in her work as a pastor and advocate for social justice.

Sally loved reading, Christmas, bird watching, and quiet moments spent reading with her cat, Kate, on her lap. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she found joy in puns, classic TV shows, and silly songs. Above all, Sally was known for her unwavering humility, empathy, and wisdom.

Sally was a lifelong advocate for social justice, most recently as a founding member of the Building Bridges Task Force of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, working to promote anti-racism and equality in the church. She was humbled by the welcome she received as a representative of the church on a Companion Synod Medical Mission Trip to Tanzania in 2016, a community she held close to her heart.

Sally is preceded in death by her parents William and Doris and is survived by her husband of 51 years John R. Houck, Jr., her son Mark Houck and his wife Peggy Varniere of Palaiseau, France, her daughter Mary Houck of Atlanta, Georgia, her brother Thomas Riekert and his partner Darlene Choy of Novato, California, her sister Lois Galligan and her husband Thomas Galligan of Southport, North Carolina, her 4 nieces and 2 nephews, and her cat Kate.

Sally will be remembered for her deep faith, her nurturing spirit, and her dedication to her family, congregation, and community. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and servant, and she found joy in helping others find their path. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a Memorial Fund in Sally's name are welcome. The fund will support the work of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), designated to the Companion Synod yearly Medical Mission Trips to Tanzania and to the Building Bridges Task Force. You can donate online using this link. Put 'Houck' in the 'Note' line to designate it for Sally's memorial. You can donate in person using cash or check, or by mailing a check to the church with 'Houck' in the memo line."  https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z3K8/campaign/C-12217

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

15400 North Western Avenue

Edmond, Oklahoma 73013

Photos of Sally that you would like to contribute should be forwarded to:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7PFYPzaFuuwZUKpC6

A celebration of life for Sally will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 15400 N Western Ave, Edmond, OK 73013, where friends and family will gather to remember her legacy of love, faith, and service.