Cindy Kay Houser

NORTH MANCHESTER – Cindy Kay Houser, a beacon of unwavering love and compassion, entered the world on Oct. 10, 1953, in Goshen, as the cherished daughter of David and Donnabelle Snyder Welborn. She departed this life on Jan. 20, 2026, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, leaving behind a legacy of kindness that touched countless hearts.
Raised in Warsaw, Cindy graduated from Warsaw High School and soon found her lifelong partner in Neil W. Houser, whom she married on Dec. 17, 1971. Their union blossomed into an extraordinary adventure, leading them to Kasilof, Alaska, where they built a vibrant life together for 38 years. In this remote haven, they raised five children while opening their home to over 30 foster children, embodying Cindy’s boundless empathy and commitment to nurturing those in need.
As a devoted homemaker, Cindy filled her home with warmth and security, using her natural talents to shape a place where her children grew up feeling supported and confident. Her loyalty to Neil and her steadfast role as a mother showed who she truly was, and it touched everyone around her. Beyond her family, Cindy extended her caring spirit through her work in retirement communities, where she provided gentle support to the elderly. She also found solace and creativity in cross-stitching and quilting. Together with Neil, she cherished every moment spent riding four-wheelers through Alaska’s rugged landscape.
In 2018, Neil and Cindy returned to North Manchester, Indiana, where Neil tenderly cared for her as her health declined. Their enduring bond, forged through decades of shared joys and challenges, stood as a powerful testament to the strength of their love.
A faithful member of Leesburg Grace Brethren Church in Leesburg, Cindy’s spiritual life was a guiding light, infusing her actions with grace and purpose. She will be eternally remembered for her generous heart, her tireless dedication to family and the indelible mark she left on so many lives.
Cindy’s memory lives on through her devoted husband, Neil W. Houser, of North Manchester; her children: Amy Williams, of Sterling, Alaska; Shad (Maria) Houser, of El Paso, Texas; Adam (Sara) Houser, of Medway, Mass.; and Cherise Armstrong, of Kenai, Alaska; her brother, Kenneth (Jean) Welborn, of Indianapolis; her sister, Carol Bennema, of Chicago; her brothers-in-law, Denny Klotz, of Warsaw; and David Loher, of Winona Lake; 13 beloved grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and the many foster children whose lives she forever enriched. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Shawn Houser; her sisters, Karen Loher and Christine Klotz; and her brother-in-law, Dennis Bennema.
A celebration of Cindy’s remarkable life will be held at a later date. For those who wish to honor the memory of Cindy Kay Houser, memorial contributions may be made to the Leesburg Grace Brethren Church, 101 W. School St., Leesburg, IN 46538.
The family of Cindy Kay Houser has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com