Loni Houtchings

Yolanda M. “Loni” Houtchings, 66, of Monrovia, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. Born on February 15, 1960, in Bedford, Indiana, she was the daughter of Robert Wheeler and Peggy C. Wheeler. Growing up in the Mitchell and Bedford area, she was a graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School. In her younger days, she could be found behind the wheel of her Mustang hot rod, a car she truly loved. Loni was a woman of strong character—kind-hearted at her core, but a self-described "spitfire" who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. As a mother, she was known for being strict but fair; she believed in "her way or the highway," but those who followed the rules were always met with a reward and her deep, unwavering love. Loni previously worked in quality control at Ford in Bedford and later in security and surveillance at the French Lick Resort and Casino. For the last 12 years, she was a familiar face at Love’s Travel Stops, where she was proud to be one of the "originals" since the location opened. It was during her time working in French Lick that Loni met her companion of 18 years, George Pate. After the sudden passing of her husband, Carl Houtchings, George reached out with a sympathy card. Loni later returned the gesture with a birthday card, which started a partnership built on mutual care and friendship. Loni lived life with a passion for the simple things. She loved following musician Lloyd Wood, attending country music festivals, and visiting the Covered Bridge Festival. Her and George also enjoyed attending flea markets, tractor pulls, and the State Fair. She found joy in sunflowers, a good meal out, and her beloved "feline companion," a gray and white cat named Coconut. Forced to endure several health complications over the last two years, Loni’s spirit was set free and her legacy will live in the hearts of all who her blessed to know and love her. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Carl Houtchings. Survivors include her significant other, George Pate of Monrovia; children, Dustin (Tracy) Brown of Wilbur, Nikita (Dwayne) Muncy of Louisville, and Tessa Zehr of Jasper; her beloved grandchildren, Shyla, Chase (Jasmine), Kenna, Dayson, Keyson, and Cash; great-grandchildren, Cedric and Jaxson. She also leaves behind her sisters, Paralee (Bob) Daggy of Bedford and Tia Wheeler; brothers, Larry and Donald Frazier; special cousin, Karen (Wayne) Smith of Clayton; and her extended in-law family, including Larry and Carolyn Clements, Eric and Dana Noel, Doug & Tina Clements & Freida Terrell. Funeral and Cremation Arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to Celebrate Loni’s Life from 4 to 6pm, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 6:00pm and Pastor Steve Ranson will officiate. Cremation will follow the services. In addition to flower, memorial contributions may be made to the Indy Honor Flight. To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, or light a candle in her memory visit www.lightmemorial.com.

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Loni Houtchings

February 15, 1960 - March 20, 2026