Phyllis Leona Houk

Phyllis Leona Gestrin Houk Jan. 29, 1934 - April 22, 2011 Nature has reclaimed one of its most precious and beautiful flowers. Phyllis Leona Houk was born in Arling, Idaho on Jan 29,1934 to her proud Finnish parents, Otto and Elena Gestrin.She passed away peacefully at home on Good Friday, 2011 . The youngest of seven children, she had a wonderful life growing up on the family ranch and being with her large and extended family in Long Valley. After graduating from the U of Idaho in 1955 (Tri-Delta Sorority) she taught first grade at Garfield Elementary School in Boise for ten years. It was there that she met and married Ferrol Houk. They later moved to Ketchum where they purchased and operated Bald Mountain Hot Springs Pool and Motel. After his death in 1975 she continued running the business until her retirement in 1996. Phyllis loved life and was especially proud of her flower garden in front of the pool on Ketchum's Main St. Her favorite pastime and a respite from the 24/7 life was traveling. She and her husband Mike Roundy were fortunate to have been able to travel on all seven continents. Someday they will be traveling together through eternity. Also, one of Phyllis' favorite things was watching, from our deck, as the paragliders became airborne above Baldy and landing in a field not far from our residence. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Mike, her brother Albert (Donna) of Donnelly, her stepdaughter Karla of Alaska; her two sisters- in-law Dorothy Gestrin and Betty Gestrin, also of Donnelly, and many relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. A special thanks to our good friend Jerry Croce for sharing his precious little dog Lucy with us.....she was Phyllis' sunshine. There will be a celebration of Phyllis' life in Ketchum and also in Valley County, to be held at a later date. If you wish, donations may be made to The Hospice of the Wood River Valley, PO Box 4320, Ketchum, Idaho 83340 or the Blaine County Animal Shelter,P.O. Box 1496, Hailey ID 83333 or any charity of your choice. Cremation will be under the direction of the Wood River Chapel. Friends and family are welcome to visit www.woodriverchapel.com to leave condolences.