Lana Belle (Whitaker) House, 63 of Valparaiso, IN passed away August 19th, 2017 with family by her side. She was born August 28th, 1953 in Rensselaer, IN daughter of Burns and Evelyn Whitaker. Lana grew up the youngest of three children in Wheeler, IN helping serve customers at her parents “corner store”, sharpening a passion for service that would inform her life’s work. After graduating in 1972 as a proud Wheeler Bearcat, she married David House on April 6, 1974. Together, they built a family in Valparaiso, IN.

Her main occupation was homemaker and she took this seriously by extending her definition of family far and wide. She had a penchant for numbers that emerged in the form of remembering birthdays, birth order and anniversaries for nearly everyone that crossed her path. Lana is most remembered for her giving heart, always seeking to improve the lives of others.

Lana is survived by her husband of 43 years, David House of Valparaiso, IN; Her daughter Aimee House Ladonski married to James and their child Evan of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Jill Rainbolt, her husband Chris and their two children – Ryker and Rayna of Portage, IN; sister Rosemary (David) Colvin; brother Tom Whitaker; Sister-in-heart Cheryl (Ken) Watson; Grandson-in-heart Caleb Dillard and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.

Lana is preceded in death by her parents Burns and Evelyn (Watson) Whitaker and brother Burns Whitaker Jr.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 22nd, 4-8pm; Funeral Services: Wednesday, August 23rd 11am Bartholomew Funeral Home 102 Monroe Street, Valparaiso. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. The family will be directing scholarship funds to service-oriented Wheeler High School graduates. In her memory, donations may be made to Union Township Dollars for Scholars, noting “Lana House Public Service Award” in the memo.

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