Obituary of Jill Rene Houser

Jill Rene Houser passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at home in Libertyville, Illinois, after battling brain cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 17, 1958, in Decatur, Illinois, Jill lived a life full of love and kindness.

She was the daughter of Marvin and June Lockmiller and a sister to Marty, Julie, and Joy. She cherished her family with all her heart and kept them close in every chapter of her life. After finishing high school in Monticello, Jill went on to study education at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she also joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Jill later became a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, a job she loved and held for nearly 40 years. It was a perfect fit—she loved meeting new people and exploring the world. Jill had a way of making everyone feel special and truly cared for, whether they were a coworker or a passenger.

She was the devoted wife of Mark Houser and a wonderful mom to Doug, Ellie, and Mary. Being a wife and mom were Jill’s greatest joy. She filled her family’s life with endless love, laughter, and adventure as she treasured every single minute. Jill’s deep faith was a gift she gave her children daily—through her prayers, her actions, and the way she lived her life, she shaped their faith in lasting ways. Her love extended to her daughter-in-law, Bridget, and her son-in-law, Jake, whom she welcomed into the family wholeheartedly.

Her joy as a mother only grew when she became a grandmother. Her grandkids—Grace, Everly, Tommy, and Haven—knew her as “Mimi,” and she adored them with all her heart. She brought so much happiness into their lives with her playful spirit and endless energy.

Jill loved life’s simple pleasures: biking through Independence Grove, shelling at the beach, and spending time with the people she loved. Her creativity showed up in everything she did, from painting and crafts to the fun games she made up for her grandkids.

Anyone who knew Jill would tell you she was the kindest, most loving person you could meet. She had a warm, cheerful way about her and always made others feel seen and appreciated. She was a loyal friend, a great listener, and a bright light in many lives.

As we say goodbye, we remember Jill as someone who made the most of every day. She filled her life with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. Though we will miss her deeply, her memory will always stay with us, in the stories we share and the love she gave so freely.

A service to celebrate Jill’s life will be held in Libertyville, Illinois, at The Chapel, 1200 American Way. Friends and family are invited to gather at 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In honor of Jill’s vibrant spirit and joyful life, we kindly encourage guests to wear colorful attire.

To send flowers to the family or donate to a memorial park bench at Cook Park in memory of Jill Houser, please make a check to Mark Houser c/o McMurrough Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville, IL 60048