Betty J. Houston

Betty J. Houston, 93, of rural Altamont, passed away at 2:05 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Oswego Health and Rehab in Oswego.

Betty Jewel Thompson was born on January 2, 1930, to Ernie Roy and Lois (Harris) Thompson in Parsons, KS.  As a young girl, she grew up in rural Parsons and attended Salem Grade School.  In 1948, Betty graduated from Labette County Community High School.

On March 11, 1948, Betty and Verl L. Houston were united in marriage in Parsons.  After raising her family, Betty worked as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in the USD 506 district for 20 years.

She was an active member of the Altamont United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher.  For many years, Betty was a 4-H leader and helped with little league baseball.  Living in rural Altamont for most of her life, Betty was also involved in the Altamont community.  She helped with the Altamont Flag Day and served on the election board for several years.  Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and she also loved to dance.

Survivors include:

One son – Kent Houston and his wife, Janie, of Coffeyville, Kansas

One daughter – Dara Keith and her husband, Jerry, of Adair, Oklahoma

Two grandchildren – Joel Keith and Justin Keith

Two extra grandchildren – Jordan Carinder and Seth Carinder

Two great-grandchildren – Chloe Keith and Keely Keith

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Verl, on October 7, 1978; one daughter, Kathy Gay Houston, on February 27, 2021; one brother; and two sisters.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Altamont United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m., until the service begins at the church

Memorials are suggested to the Altamont Flag Day Fund or the Altamont United Methodist Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.