Tracey Lynn Housel

Tracey Lynn Housel was a colorful, stylish and very bright light for 75 years. She died of an unexpected heart attack at Meadville Medical Center on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Tracey and Mart Ukkonen were devoted to each other for over 40 years. They resided on their farm in Williamsfield. He preceded her in death in 2016. Since his passing, the farmer's daughter who didn't love barn duty as a kid enhanced the farm in many ways by selling machinery; restoring outbuildings and her proudest achievement was designing a meaningful Barn quilt. With Mart always the wind beneath her wings, the quilt honors his Finnish heritage, dairy farming and served as a visible reminder of the special people who shared life and love on their beautiful land. She then served on the Barn Quilt Trail Committee and supported others in acquiring their Barn quilts. She shared her pride of this tribute to our farmers by coordinating a Barn Quilt display in the Log Cabin on the fairgrounds fair week 2017. Tracey began her career as a Program Assistant at the 4-H Extension Office where she spent nine years and gained a forever love of helping children and teens. She was that camp counselor people still remember. A consummate professional, she contributed as the Executive Secretary to the President at Goodwill Industries followed by serving as the Administrative Assistant at United Way of Ashtabula County for 13 years. At Kent State Ashtabula, she was an able assistant to students, staff and professors, in birthing new programs, planning special events and every commencement celebration. She made a positive difference and retired in 2013 after 18 years. At her retirement celebration, she announced "the candy jar has left the building"...a hallmark of her love of connecting with people. For the past decade, Tracey joined her sisters in Savvy Sisters Designs, uplifting spirits by sharing jewelry they all loved. Being an aunt and great aunt was one of her greatest joys. She planned special time with her nieces then her great nephews and great niece. She went to movies they loved, cheered them on at ballgames and eating out with family and friends was always a highlight Tracey had a very green thumb, loved decorating her home, adventuring on bus trips, new tech, connecting on Facebook and playing word games virtually with dear friends. She changed her hair style often and loved coordinating her clothes, shoes and accessories to match. Tracey was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Marjory Housel and Martti and Dagmar Ukkonen. Tracey is survived by her siblings Amy Housel, Phyllis and Jerry Miller, Wayne and Kelly Housel, Nieces Courtney (Chuck) Heath and their children Austin Shaffer and Emily Heath, and Carly (Jason) Myllymaki and their son Dylan. Tracey had a very big heart, loved gifting special presents and her presence brought sparkle and laughter to all who knew her. She will be missed and loved always in our hearts, mind and spirits. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a sunny day in spring. Donations made to the Ashtabula County 4-H Foundation (39 Wall Street, Jefferson, 44047) or Kent State University Ashtabula (3300 Lake Rd. West, Ashtabula, 44004) would honor Tracey. Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service of Andover, Ohio handled the arrangements. Share a fond memory or condolence at www.baumgardnerfuneralhome.com Family Contact information: Amy Housel 3116 Avon Blvd. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, Phone/Text: 440-812-0831, Email: amybteach@aol.com