Donna R. Houser, 88, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Centre Care, surrounded by her loving family. Born January 29, 1938, in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Arnold C. Smith and Kathryn Rae (Spinney) Smith. On June 21, 1958, she married the love of her life, Philip H. Houser, who preceded her in death on March 24, 2010. They shared 51 devoted years of marriage.
Donna was a 1955 graduate of Jersey Shore High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Lycoming College in 1960. After concluding her medical career at Jersey Shore Hospital, she and her husband opened the Phil-It-Up Drive-In in Jersey Shore in 1984. In 1994, she fulfilled another dream by opening the Ruffles and Treasures Gift Shop in Bellefonte.
She is survived by her daughter, Tamera “Tammy” Bixler (Brett) of Bellefonte; two grandchildren, Brenna Packard (Brandon) of State College and Brooke Bixler (Nicholas Tower) of Baltimore.
Donna was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte. She had a special love for her many Dachshunds and found great joy in traveling.
A memorial service will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Mt. Nittany Overlook Event Center, 559 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, with Rev. Dr. Renee Ford officiating. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., Bellefonte.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.