Betty J. Houston

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

Betty Jewel Thompson was born on Jan. 2, 1930, to Ernie Roy and Lois (Harris) Thompson in Parsons. 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 married Verl L. Houston in Parsons. After raising her family, Betty worked as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in Labette County USD 506 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 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 a son, Kent Houston and his wife, Janie, of Coffeyville; a 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; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe Keith and Keely Keith.

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

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

The family suggests memorials 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.

Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.