Barbara Marie Houghton, 66, of Bronson passed away peacefully Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Parkview LaGrange Hospital with her family by her side.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Saturday, April 4 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Community Church of Bronson, formerly known as the Congregational Church. A private interment of ashes will be held at Bronson Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Barb was born August 14, 1959 in Columbus, OH to James and Shirley (Coulter) Camp. When she was young her family lived in Heidelberg, Germany, Ogden, Utah, and Fort Carson, Colorado. When her father retired from the Army, their family settled down in Bronson, MI October 31, 1967. She lived in Bronson for the rest of her life.
Barb graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1977 and had fond memories of times spent with her fellow classmates and friends.
Barb was married to Mark Houghton in the 1980’s/1990’s. They raised two daughters, Amy and Tracy, together. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker. She worked as a teacher’s assistant/playground supervisor at St. Mary’s School in Bronson in the 1990s while her children attended there.
In the early 2000’s she developed a special companionship with William (Bill) Peterham. She spent many years working alongside Bill, and eventually retired from, his business VanPeete Enterprises in Bronson, where they manufactured children’s furniture and toys. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially to different restaurants and beach locations.
Throughout her life Barb enjoyed baking, spending time with friends, and collecting antiques. Most of all she treasured the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and watching their many school and sporting activities. She also liked to make holiday celebrations special for her grandkids by incorporating games and prizes, continuing a tradition set by her parents.
Barb lives on through her daughters Amy (Jeremy) Bucklin of Sturgis and Tracy (AJ) Hurd of Bronson; her brothers Mike Camp of Coldwater and Jeff Camp of Colon; her grandchildren Annabelle Bucklin, George Bucklin, Hannah Bucklin, Oliver Bucklin, Ella Hurd, and Dawson Hurd; her former husband Mark (Patty) Houghton of Bronson, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Shirley, her grandmother Viola Coulter, her longtime companion Bill Peterham, and her lifelong friend Dawn Stuut.
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