In Memory Of

Toni Denise Alexander-Houghton

Apr 14, 1957 - Mar 17, 2026

Service

Saturday, April 11, 2026
1:00 pm
Empringham Arena, Rocky Regional Recreational Center (Rocky Arena)
5532 - 50 street, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Notice

Donations in Toni's memory may be made to the Alberta Dachshund Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Obituary

Toni Denise Alexander-Houghton
April 14, 1957 – March 17, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, Toni Alexander-Houghton. Toni was born in Red Deer, Alberta on April 14,1957 to Marie and Eldon Alexander. The younger sister to Greg and Joyce, and soon after a sister to her little brother David.

When Toni was very young, the family moved to the Rocky area, first residing in the Ferrier and Garth districts, and later in town near Lochearn, where she attended elementary school. She went on to attend Will Sinclair High School.

As a young girl, skating at the Rocky arena occupied much of Toni's time. She developed a passion for hockey and played on the first all-girls team in Rocky- much to the delight of her dad, Eldon, as neither of her brothers had chosen hockey as their sport.

After graduating high school, Toni worked in the general insurance industry at Helen Hunley Agencies. In 1977, she married Bud Austad and became a full-time mom with the arrival of her children: Scott, Aron, Kyle and Kirstin.

With 3 boys in hockey, the Austad family devoted a great deal of time to the sport. Toni's involvement led to a long and fulfilling career as the organizing administrator and office manager for the Rocky Minor Hockey Association- a position she enjoyed and took great pride in for many years.

In 2018, after what we used to joke was the longest engagement in history, she married her true love, Earle Houghton. Earle cherished Toni. Together they enjoyed trips to Salt Spring Island Arizona and Palm Springs. Meeting Earle led Toni to another one of her passions- golf. She would often let us know that between her and Earle, she was the better golfer. You could often find them at Pine Hills, enjoying a round of golf together, or with a grandchild or two in tow. Some of their happiest times were spent with friends and family, especially their many grandchildren and their two dachshunds. Sadly, their time was cut short by Earle's early passing.

Toni's greatest joy was her grandchildren. It didn't take much to get her talking about their latest adventures, how quickly they were growing, or how well they were doing in their sports. She was lovingly referred to as "Grandma Bone" and was extremely proud of her unique moniker.

Toni was a fabulous cook and knew all the secrets to baking. Her puffed wheat squares and other desserts remained a favorite of her grandkids and community members, being served at the arena. You could always tell by the line up at the arena concession that Toni had arrived with some fresh baking that everyone was eager to get their hands on.

Toni is survived by her children: Scott (Erin Verhaeghe), Aron (Erin), Kyle (Kailyn) and Kirstin (Chris); her grandchildren: Layne, Cali, Tegan, Linden, Brogan, Byrklie, Aspen, Kypton, Kinsley, Hadley, Palmer and Jorie; her brother Greg and sister Joyce (Boyd), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and her beloved dachshunds: Wally and Barkley.

A Celebration of Life for Toni will be held on April 11, 2026 at 1pm in the Empringham Arena at the Rocky Regional Recreation Center (Rocky Arena), 5532 50 Street, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Donations in Toni's memory may be made to the Alberta Dachshund Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Peggy Bensmiller:

So sorry for your loss. She was a great lady.

Rhonda & Rick Reynaud:

Very saddened to hear of Toni's passing. Our sincere condolences to all of her family.

Dwaine and Ronda Pike:

Condolences to all her family , our thoughts are with you all in this very difficult time. Toni was a very special lady and friend. Forever she will be remembered and missed.

Shannon Paradis:

Sending all the family my thoughts and prayers with them during this tough time ❤️

Stan & Brenda Nicolay:

I am deeply saddened to read of Toni’s passing. She was a very special lady. I will forever cherish our many arena chats<3 Wrapping her loved ones tightly in hugs, prayers & healing!

Rita and Jamie Hillier:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Chad Huseby:

Sorry to hear this, condolences to the entire family! Loved the many hours spent in the arena concession with Toni! She never seemed tired, no idea how that was possible! Best rink burgers in AB & always a smile to go along with it!

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