Houston, Emma

Emma Houston, 75, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Ennoble Care Center, Dubuque, with her family by her side. Funeral services will be held 10:30 Thursday morning, Dec. 27, at the United Church of Monticello, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. The Rev. Edwin Moreano will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Surviving are four children, Suzie (John) Jaeger, Monticello, Sandy (Tom) Duffy, Cascade, Sherri (David) Cavenee, Wamego, Kan., and Chuck (Mary) Houston, Monticello; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her sister, Eileen (Louie) Wilson, Riverside; and three brothers, Bob (Georgina) Mettler and Jim (Pat) Mettler, both of Anamosa, and Doug (Vickie) Mettler, Monticello.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vern in 2005; a daughter, Karen in 1966; a brother, Kenneth; and a sister, Kathleen Epperson.

Emma Joyce Mettler was born April 8, 1937, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Alfred and Naomi Miller Mettler. She received her education in the Monticello Community Schools. Emma Joyce Mettler and Charles Vern Houston were married March 4, 1953, in Dubuque. She was employed at Monty Produce and later at Rockwell Collins. Emma retired from Collins in 1992 after 25 years there.

Emma was determined. She quit school in 9th grade but obtained her G.E.D. in 1979. She took painting lessons after she retired and was a great artist, selling many of her painted crafts. She also belonged to the Painted Ladies painting club. In retirement Emma and Vern were winter Texans for 10 plus years. She loved to garden, play cards and go gambling.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Published Dec. 23, 2012 in The Gazette