Violet (Pastorick) Hough

**Violet (Pastorick) Hough**  
Born August 31, 1925, Violet (Pastorick) Hough, age 99, joined her beloved husband Murray in heaven on September 30, 2024.

Born in Cleveland, OH, to Yugoslavian immigrants, Violet was the middle of three children. The family moved to Kalamazoo and eventually settled on a farm in Sunfield. It was at the age of 13, at a school event, that she first saw Murray Hough across the gym floor and immediately thought to herself, "I'm going to marry that guy!" They married on May 14, 1944, at the Sunfield United Brethren Church, beginning a 72-year partnership built on love and shared dreams.

Murray, and his brother Roy, co-founded Hough Brothers Inc. in 1951, becoming a national leader in feed mill design and construction. Later joined by Murray and Violet’s son David, the business grew into what we now know as Hough Brothers International; opening multiple plants throughout the globe. The success of what started as a small family business ultimately sent Murray around the world to consult on major projects, and he always invited Violet to be by his side. Whether it was a quick trip to town or an international adventure, Murray wanted Violet to experience life with him, and together they traveled to Europe, Asia, South America, Russia, Australia, and beyond. Murray was Violet’s biggest supporter, always believing she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Whenever Violet expressed self-doubt, Murray would tell her, “What do you mean you don't think you can do it? Of course you can!” Time and again, Violet proved him right, showing remarkable strength and determination throughout her life.

Violet’s creative spirit flourished in many forms. She was a talented artist, creating beautiful oil-on-canvas paintings and crafting exquisite jewelry well into her 98th year. Her skills in the kitchen were equally admired, as she passed down treasured Yugoslavian recipes, such as gibanitza, chicken paprikash, and strudel, all made from scratch. Her family and friends were lucky to experience her exceptional cooking and her deep-rooted love for sharing her culture through food. When Vi wasn't cooking or creating, she was reading. She shared this passion with each of her children and grandchildren.Violet would often tell stories from her childhood and how she loved to climb trees to immerse herself in a book. It was in such a tree that she remembers her mother calling her inside to tell her the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking a moment in history she would never forget.

In 1978, Violet and Murray purchased a home in West Lansing, and Violet became the proud owner of the Four Seasons Gift Shop in downtown Grand Ledge. She loved being a part of the local community and took great pleasure in attending trade shows and gift markets in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. Violet would often return from her international travels with unique treasures to sell in the store. Kathleen and her family worked and helped run the gift store for many years keeping the family entrepreneurial spirit alive. When Violet retired at the youthful age of 85, her daughters, Carolyn and Kathleen, merged the gift shop with Carolyn’s furniture store. Today, her daughters and granddaughters' continue the family legacy through About The Home, now a thriving third-generation women owned business in the same original storefront.

Violet would tell anyone that her strength came from “Her husband, her family, and her strong faith in God.”  She became a member of the Sunfield United Brethren Church in 1942, a commitment she made out of love for Murray, and remained a loyal member for the rest of her life. Her 99th birthday was celebrated there in 2024, a true testament to her devotion to God and to her high-school sweetheart. 

Preceded in death by her parents Louis B. & Donna J. (Horvath) Pastorick, her beloved husband Murray, her sister and brother-in-law Helen and John Hebert, brother and sister-in-law Don & Mary Pastorick, and great-granddaughter McKenna Hoyt, Violet is survived by her three children: David (Nancy) Hough, Kathleen (Ken) Black, and Carolyn (Torre) Miller; six grandchildren: Whitney (Parker) McCrary, Alex (Alba) Hough, Katrina (Brian) Hoyt, Kalvin (Kalyn) Houghblack, Kelsie (Craig) Simmon, and Alexis Miller (Aaron Mast); and 13 great-grandchildren: Archer McCrary, Gates McCrary, Lochlan McCrary, Camilla Hough, Payton Houghblack, Addison Houghblack, Heaven Letts, Aubrie Hoyt, William Hoyt, Olivia Hoyt, Hudson Simmon, Evelyn Simmon, and Cody Mast.

Violet’s family warmly invites all who loved her to join in celebrating her beautiful life and mourning her loss. Services will be held at Sunfield United Brethren Church. Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon immediately after. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery will take place afterward, and while all are welcome to attend, it is not required.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Violet’s name to the Sunfield United Brethren Church, the Sunfield Historic Society, or the Believers Christian Church Food Pantry. 

The family is being served by Rosier Burial and Cremation Services, Sunfield, MI.  RosierFuneralHome.com

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