Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

William Thomas “Bill” Houseworth

William Thomas “Bill” Houseworth, age 75, of Shelby, died Monday night, July 5, 2021 at his home following a brief battle with Mesothelioma.

Bill was born May 17, 1946 in Lima, Ohio to the late Thomas B. and Marie (McGuire) Houseworth and was a 1964 graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. Bill spent his entire career in the insurance industry. In 1967, the field brought him to Shelby for a position in the IT Department at Shelby Mutual Insurance. He remained with the Mutual until its closing and then began working for a software programming company, Policy Management Corporation, until making his last career transition to Ohio Mutual Insurance Group from where he retired in 2013. When asked if Bill enjoyed his 45+ year career, he emphatically responded, “Very much so!”

To say that Bill was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church would be an understatement. Bill was devoted to the Church and serving the Lord in various forms. Throughout the years, Bill has been an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, lector, and currently served as the Sacristan. He assisted anywhere he was needed, especially during the Holy Days, making sure everyone knew what to do and where to be working quietly in the background so that things were perfect. He served as the chairman of the Building Maintenance Committee helping to maintain and keep the church beautiful inside and out.  Bill was active with home ministry and making hospital visits taking communion to the sick and shut-ins, had served on the festival committee many times over, had been a member of Parish Council, and was active with the Funeral Liturgy Planning Committee for over 30 years. The church and serving the Lord was not only his hobby, but his passion as well.

Outside of church, Bill was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for many years not only at the local level but the district level as well, earning the District Award of Merit. One of his most favorite things was taking scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Bill was also a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus, had been on the Zoning Committee for Sharon Township, and absolutely loved to read.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon Sue (Aichholz) Houseworth, whom he wed on October 4, 1969; 3 children: Brian (Carol) Houseworth of Mansfield, Jeffrey (Keri) Houseworth of Oklahoma, and Susan (Reg) Lowe of Alabama; grandchildren: Dalton (Kayla) Lowe, Trevor Harris, Ellie Houseworth, Jordyn Harris, Derek Lowe, Olivia Houseworth, and William Thomas “Will” Houseworth; great grandchildren: Abigail Lowe, Allayna Wright, and one on the way; sister: Rita Kersker; brother-in-law: Duane (Linda) Aichholz; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His parents and an infant sister preceded him in death.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or St. Mary School.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Bill’s obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.

To view Bill’s tribute video, follow this link provided: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/CHW22ZYPPRFDPCTX

Memories & Condolence

  1. Kerry Shepherd says:

    My deepest sympathies are with your family at this time. I have many, many fond memories of our family’s lives growing up. I remember your wedding, the building of your home & babysitting Brian, Jeff & Susie. My prayers are with you in this difficult time

  2. Julie and Ken Ensman says:

    Sharon and family,
    Our hearts and prayers are with you! Bill was such a wonderful man and a role model Christian. He will always be watching over you and with you in spirit!
    Julie and Ken

  3. Ann Imhoff says:

    Sharon and family
    So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be a big help in heaven.

  4. Chris DeVito says:

    Thoughts and Prayers are with you Sharon and the family. He was such a great role model, he will be greatly miss by all.

  5. Ron & Eileen Mawhorr says:

    Our deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Bill for 20 + years at the Shelby Mutual. Sorry to hear of his passing

  6. Jackie Potts says:

    Bill will truly be missed, he was a wonderful man. Before her recent passing my mother enjoyed her Wednesday eucharistic visits with him.

  7. Paul Athy says:

    My deepest sympathy to you Sharon and family on Bill’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to You and family.

  8. Darrell and Marilyn Shepherd says:

    Sharon and family
    We are so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. He was a great person and will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers

  9. Pat Keen says:

    Sharon and family,
    My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. What a great legacy he leaves behind.

  10. Karen Rismiller says:

    So sorry for your loss Sharon and family.

  11. Linda McCoy says:

    So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.

  12. Michelle Smith says:

    Sharon and family, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and thinking of you during this time.

  13. Connie Briegel Everhart says:

    Sharon, I am so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing forward. In this time of sorrow, may our Lord Jesus Christ bring you comfort and peace…. Just knowing that as believers in Christ, we can all be reunited again one day. God’s Peace, Connie

  14. Mark and Holly Korbas says:

    Sharon and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you face the loss of a wonderful man who you were blessed to call husband, father and grandfather. Rudy enjoyed his visits with Bill and was saddened to hear of his passing.

  15. Lois & Dave Steele says:

    Sharon & family,
    So very sorry for your loss of Bill. Such a kind and giving man to so many around him. His ministry gifts will be missed, in so many ways over the years he touched a lot of hearts. Peace and love for many happy memories.

  16. Sharon Keyser says:

    Sharon I am so sorry to hear of your dear loved one passing Prayers

  17. Kathy Yockey says:

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  18. Joni Ypung says:

    Sharon sorry to hear of your loss.
    What a fairhful giving example he led.
    My mom Donna Hicks always talked highly of you both. The cards you sent after my moms death touched me. Prayers for you and your family.

  19. Kay Brandenburg says:

    Brian, Carol, Olivia So sorry to hear of your father’s and grandfather’s passing. No more pain and suffering. My God hold you all close and always
    remember how much he loved you.

  20. John & JoAnn Waldruff says:

    Sharon & Family ~ we are saddened with the news of Bill’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers for the loving comfort of our Lord during this sad time in your lives. John & JoAnn

  21. Emile & Anne John says:

    Sharon & family: We were saddened to hear that Bill passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Bill’s visits when he brought Communion to us.

  22. Darlene Zappa says:

    My deepest sympathy to the family. Bill always made you feel so welcomed at church. Memory~ Madeline Frankel, highly spoke of him on my visits with her.She would go on and on, of how wonderful he was. So through her, I got to know Bill. Two amazing people on this earth and touched my heart deeply.

  23. Linda Blackford Swendal says:

    My heart goes out to you, Sharon, and your family. May God give you strength for the future.

  24. Pat Teynor says:

    Sharon I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing you and your family will be in our prayers.

  25. Missy Wilson says:

    Sharon, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray you that and your family find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

  26. Missy Wilson says:

    Sharon, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray you and your family find peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

  27. Greg cole says:

    To Sharon and family, my sincerest condolences in Bill’s passing.
    I will miss him after all these years – from the Mutual days to hauling water.
    You will be in our prayers.

  28. Boy Scout T-406 says:

    Sorry for your loss. We appreciationed Bill”s support of the Boy Scout Program and all his hard work for the scouts.

  29. Todd and Lorna Albert says:

    We were so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill was a huge part of our work lives for many many years. We cannot imagine getting the job done without him. Bill, of course, made the job much easier with his approach to the whole thing. We both have so many dear memories! Our thoughts and prayers to each of you!!

  30. Lori Lantz says:

    Sharon. Please know that Tom and I have been praying for you and your family. May your memories provide peace and strength in this time of loss.
    I just remember how Bill was such a great support for you.
    He always had a smile on his face when we saw you both at the Church for our grandsons’ special events. Bless you both.

  31. Linda & Tom Rish says:

    Sharon and Family,
    So very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. As the patriarch of your family, he will be surely missed. Your families will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Linda and Tom Rish

  32. Fran Hartz says:

    Sharon, you have my deepest sympathy. Bill was a great guy and all of Shelby MPHM will miss him. Prayers and love to you and your family.

  33. Howie Barber says:

    My condolences on Bill’s passing to all of Bill’s family and friends. I worked with Bill for many years at Shelby Mutual and then was fortunate to work again with Bill when I joined Ohio Mutual in 2012. Bill was always a guy to look for ways to get things done and helped me and the organizations in so many ways. He simplified the IT processes for us laymen who weren’t IT experts. Great guy and sad to hear of his passing.

  34. Richard and Amy Russell says:

    Dear Sharon,
    Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. The number of people Bill touched is amazing. May God hold you especially close now.

  35. David Grove says:

    So sorry for your loss. Bill was tremendous to work for and with and was a great man.

  36. Christine says:

    Dear Sharon and entire family,
    We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. Please know I’m always here for you. ❤️

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