Nancy J. Houk, 83, entered heaven on January 12, 2023. She was surrounded by her children and passed away peacefully at her home. Nancy was the daughter of Clifford (Al) Larson and Virginia Larson. She was the only sister of Gerald (Jerry) Larson, who survives her. Nancy was a blessing to all her family, friends, and many organizations in Boone County. She was an active member of the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois for many decades. Nancy was a fabulous leader and attended almost every parade that involved the Scouts. Nancy always believed in the importance of empowering girls, and served the Girl Scouts for many years. One year she was the cookie coordinator for all of Boone County. A maze of cookie boxes were stacked high throughout her home. Her kids thought having all of those cookie cases stacked up was awesome!!! Her husband…..not so much.

Nancy was also a loyal member of the First United Presbyterian Church. She often helped with luncheons, fund raising, and Sunday school. Nancy was also the backbone of the church Women's Guild, spearheading the calendar sales. She always believed strongly that the children's programs were most important Nancy was an active member of Zonta Club of Belvidere. She did her part and always participated in the annual pecan fund raiser. In addition, Nancy was always a big supporter of the Boone County Fair. She often volunteered in the Home Ec building and she baked dozens of entries every year. She won hundreds of ribbons over her 'fair lifetime.' She inspired many family members to participate in the fair also. Her enthusiasm for the fair was contagious. All of her family and friends loved eating all of her leftover baked entries every August.

Nancy was loved by all and will be missed dearly by family, friends, and the organizations where she was a member. Nancy enjoyed spending time with family, going on hayrides, singing songs, reading books, watching parades and her breakfast time with the class of '57. She never said no to an adventure with her children for a trip up to the lakes. Nancy could always light up a room with her smile and she was gifted with making people feel comfortable and confident in her presence. She had a legendary laugh and her kids could always find her in the grocery store as she laughed and chatted in the aisles.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Richard (Dick) Houk; her mother, Virginia Larson and her father, Clifford (Al) Larson. Nancy is survived by her eight children, Joanne (Matt) Henning, Rick (Therese) Houk, Julie (Kevin) Sampson, Jane (Tom Geordt) Eurek, Cheryl (Tim) Murphy, Carol Parsons, Karen (Bo) Ficula, and Russell (Holly) Houk. Nancy also had 18 grandchildren, Douglas (Elyse) Allen, Gregory (Kathleen) Allen, Bryan (Kayla) Allen, Rachel Roseberry, Madeline (Peter) Weickert, Hannah (Jozef) Szabo, James Sampson, John Sampson, Andrew (Erin) Eurek, Joe (Stephanie) Eurek, Kyle Eurek, Emily (Neal) Peterson, Jack Murphy, Rachel (Devan) Magley, Alexander Ficula, Amy Ficula, Kelsey Houk and Abby Houk. In addition, Nancy also had 14 great-grandchildren, Liam, Charlotte, Theo, Penny, Aeris, Ozias, Henry, Eleanor, Quinn, Evelyn, Ashton, Ava, Bruce and Logan. Lastly, Arthur the parrot. Her family that survives her are at peace with the thought her husband, mother and father and every dog she ever owned will greet her upon her arrival.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 25 ^th at Belvidere Historical Society from 1 to 4 p.m. Dan Holmes will be officiating a memorial service from 1 to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be set up in Nancy's name.