Sandra "Sandi" Ritter (Ritter) Houser

Sandra R. Houser, age 70, of Austintown, Ohio died surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. Sandra–known to most in her life as Sandi–was born in Youngstown on February 7, 1956 to the late James and Rita (Newhouse) Ritter.

Sandi graduated from Austintown-Fitch High School in 1974, then followed in her mother’s professional footsteps as a registered nurse in 1978; she was a graduate of Trumbull Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing. Her career in nursing was long and spanned several different disciplines, but her greatest pride was spending the last seventeen years of her life teaching new nurses and nursing aides.

Sandi had many passions and hobbies throughout her life, but none were as important or constant as gardening. Through her last days, she reaped immense joy from “playing in the dirt” and sharing her bountiful harvests with friends and family. She was also an avid and voracious reader (especially fond of anything written by Stephen King or Brandon Sanderson) and a gifted storyteller. Her keen sense of humor and no-nonsense manner of explaining the world will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved son, Julien Houser and his partner, Christine Olding, of Austintown, Ohio, as well as those friends that she chose to count as her sisters throughout her life.

In keeping with Sandi’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or calling hours. Instead, a celebration of her life will be held at a location and on a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers or condolences, please remit donations to a local animal shelter or nursing scholarship.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S Silvat Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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