Christian A. Houghtaling, 17, of Loyalsock Township, passed peacefully, at home, on May 16, 2019 surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with Leukemia.

Born April 19, 2002, in Williamsport, he was the son of Jeremy Houghtaling of Williamsport and Nicole and Dan Bower of Loyalsock Township. In addition to his parents are his sister, Paige Houghtaling and his dogs, Louie and Penny at home. Surviving him are also maternal grandparents, Mary and John Samar, of Montoursville and paternal grandparents, Mike and Gail Bollinger of Westfield. He was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Elroy Houghtaling.

Christian lived life to the fullest, even through illness. He was an honor student at Loyalsock Township High School. He was very involved with band throughout high school playing saxophone. He also enjoyed playing bass guitar for Uptown Music Collective. His aspirations were to attend college for medicine.

Christian’s love for learning and curious mind were apparent from an early age. He loved difficult puzzles, legos, reading, art and music. He had an amazing wit and sense of humor. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. He will be dearly missed by all that he touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 4 p.m., at South Williamsport United Methodist Church, 409 Main St., South Williamsport, followed immediately by a dinner held at the church. Interment will be held the following morning in Barbours Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Spitler Funeral Home, Montoursville.

Christian was passionate about funding research for childhood Leukemia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Christian’s name. http://www.stjude.org