LURA CHRISTINE HOUSTON
LURA CHRISTINE HOUSTON
Lura Christine (Van Fossen) Houston, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. She was 100 years of age.
Christine, as she preferred to be called, was born February 18, 1920 on a small farm outside of Humphreys, MO.
After graduating from high school, she obtained a Bachler of Science Degree in education from Kirksville State Teachers College, now Truman State University. Her first teaching job was in Decatur, IL where she taught elementary school for 3 years. Upon the death of her mother she returned to Milan to help care for her father.
She married Joe Houston on February 16, 1952 and raised two children, Paul and Carol. She taught in the Milan Community School District for the next 33 years, almost all of those at the 6th grade level.
Christine had a passion for gardening, raising flowers and quilting. She was most happy when she had her fingers in the dirt. And at the end of the day, sitting on the back porch of the farmhouse, drinking a glass of ice tea, and watching the sunset.
She was a member of the Milan Methodist Church and Lydia Circle where she was known for her coconut and lemon cream pies. She taught Sunday school, washed dishes at all the church functions and at age 92 was still making hand-cranked ice cream for the fall harvest festival.
She was also a member of the Milan Garden Club and Chapter X of PEO.
Christine was preceded in death by her husband Joe Houston, her father William Van Fossen, her mother, Vern (Dewitt) Van Fossen, her brother Clarence (CJ) Van Fossen and sister Marion Meehan.
She is survived by her son Paul (Connie) Houston of West Des Moines, IA, and daughter Carol Houston, of Prescott, KS. Step-grandchildren Matt (Gina) VanGinkel, Candace VanGinkel, and step-great grandchildren, Luke, Chase, Fina and Louie.
A viewing was held on Tuesday afternoon at Schoene-Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Milan. A private family burial will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Mitchell Cemetery near Omaha, MO. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Milan Methodist Church.
