Sara House

Sara House was a loving, upbeat, and positive person. She was always smiling, had the most infectious laugh, and made friends everywhere. She devoted her life to helping others and serving her community.

In 1968, there was a growing surge in momentum for the women's liberation movement, to advance women's rights and promote equality. On October 21st, in Monroe Wisconsin, George and Deanna House welcomed their daughter and second child, Sara, into the world.

Sara grew up with a brother, Paul, two years older than her. In 1971, the family packed up and moved to Portage where they settled into a home in the woodland neighborhood. Sara attended elementary at Woodland and went on to West Middle School. Sara always marched to the beat of her own drum as this was evident at an early age as she was never afraid to be her own person, and she could make friends easily. Some of Sara's fondest memories were made at summer camp, YMF camp, or when she visited her grandparents on the family farm in Wisconsin. Sara went to Portage Central for High School, where she played tuba in the band. She graduated from High School in 1987.

Sara enrolled at Adrian College, but after studying there for a year, she found that it was much too small of a school, and didn't meet her academic or social needs. She transferred to Western Michigan University, majoring in special needs education. She later earned her Masters Degree from Western Michigan

Sara taught for many years at the Calhoun County Intermediate School District. She always aimed to inspire her students, and always encouraged them to push beyond the limitations that society placed upon them. Sara knew her calling in life was to teach and work with those with special needs, and she dedicated her life to improving the lives of every person she could. She went above and beyond, working much longer than anyone else would. When she wasn't in the classroom, she was at camps, working with special needs kids, and giving their parents a well-deserved respite.

When it came to herself, Sara loved to travel. Disney was a regular destination over the years. She visited parts of Europe, and would always fondly recall the wonderful cruise she had along with her brother, Paul, whom she developed a great friendship and always supported.

So many fond memories were forged at this time. Sara never married or had children, but she had an intimate bond with her family, especially with her “nieces and nephews”. She knew and understood the importance of family and enjoyed time with relatives with an annual gathering at a beach house in South Carolina. Sara enjoyed being an active member of the community. She found solace and comfort through her faith and was active in her church. She also ushered at Miller Auditorium and was part of the Wesley Foundation at WMU.

In 2019, Sara was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went to the Mayo Clinic for treatment, and through every surgery and procedure, Sara maintained a positive attitude. Her smile, enormously grateful heart, and attitude of a servant, would never leave her. In February, 2023, Sara fulfilled her long time desire and wish to visit the Holy Land, and had a very beneficial experience.

Sara taught those close to her the value of spending time with family and the value of pushing past one's comfort zone. The world will forever miss the positivity Sara poured out nonstop. Family and friends will never have a replacement in the sky where the star of Sara shone. She left a legacy of connections as she was a part of many constellations that were made up of family, friends, students, and parents that enriched her life. Seek connection, help those who need help, seek the same enrichment Sara sought, and her wisdom and energy will carry on.

Sara Jane House died peacefully in the comforts of her home on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Members of her family include her brother, Paul; cousins: Christina Duvall, David Howell, Chris House, Kelly House; uncle, Rich Howell; and aunt, Betsey House. She is also survived by dear and close friends Kristi McGorman and her family, Charles and Chistopher Blades, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Cremation has taken place and the family will receive friends on Friday, October 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Portage Chapel Hill Church, 7028 Oakland Drive, and a Memorial Service will be held at the Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 21 (her birthday). Visit Sara’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill Church. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900