As we prepare for this year's Thanksgiving, I want to share that I am most thankful for Laura's friendship.  We were neighbors on Sundew Drive when our daughters became friends, and then Laura and I did too.  Our families enjoyed camping trips together and many games of Farkle.
My favorite story to share involved dealing with Sierra after an unexpected backyard encounter with a skunk.  It was late, Allie was asleep, Larry was at work and Laura needed help right quick as she was outside with a foul-smelling dog.  An internet search revealed that the best solution was a bath with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dishwashing liquid and tomato juice.  I stayed outside with Sierra to keep her calm, as Laura rushed to Walgreens for the ingredients.  Next frame:  2 women at midnight bathing an unhappy dog that is tied to a lamp post.  The mixture didn't exactly provide the desired result, but we did the best we could and called it a night.  It is my recollection that skunk encounters became such a common occurrence, that the mixture was something that was always in stock at the Houk residence.

I had the distinct pleasure of sharing life with Laura for the last 13 years.  I was both her doctor and her friend.  We always eventually got down to business of her visit...but not before sharing about our lives.  

Allie and Larry were the most common topics of conversation.  Laura mostly gushed about both.  She felt loved by her family and I know she loved them wholeheartedly.  Laura did not hold back expressing affection for her husband, daughter, or her dogs (especially Murphy).  

We gave each other our best advice over the years and helped one another along.  I guess just like good friends do.  Her absence has left a hole that will likely prove impossible to fill.  I find it both a great honor and a great pleasure to do the work that I am called to do, and patients that can be friends and live life together as comrades make it especially joyful.  Laura was special!

She had an impact on my entire staff.  When I shared the news of her death at my office there were not just tear filled eyes, there was inconsolable crying.  Laura exuded kindness and joyfulness and it was plain that people felt a valuable light had been taken away.

I think that Laura would be proud of how she is remembered.  I guess I should have told her when I still could.  I also think that she would be delighted to know that her acts of kindness big and small will inspire her friends and loved ones generationally.  I will think of her when I pet a dog or eat something from a fancy bakery (she brought cookies often).  I know she would want me to help love Larry and Allie so I will do that too.  I look forward to re-connecting with her in Heaven.

Karl



When I think of Laura I think of her generosity, hospitality & sense of humor. She, Larry & Allie liked to play cards & other games...... always with a hilariously competitive spirit, keeping everyone laughing as they tried to out-do each other & Laura usually came out the winner.  They were a perfect team & Laura knew she was loved. 

Laura was beautiful, funny, smart and kind.  Because of her, I was able to join the Malone's family when the Alehouse first opened and was so honored to be a founding team member.  My coworkers became my second family and Malone's will always hold a special place in my heart.  

Laura was hard working, dedicated and someone you could count on.  When the workday was over, Laura always had my "Goose on the Loose" ready for me.  She thanked me for working hard and always keeping the place clean, then ordered me to sit down and enjoy my drink or my "Goose was cooked!"  

Laura was thoughtful and kind, always thinking about others first and doing her part to make the world a better place.  She even conspired with my wife to plan a surprise trip to Las Vegas for our anniversary - I didn't have a clue.  I was headed to work that morning and my wife said "Honey, no work for you today, just pack a bag because our plane leaves in 2 hours."  I called Laura and she just laughed, told me I was not on the schedule and that I better get my butt moving or I was going to miss my plane.  She also helped my wife pull off a surprise 40th birthday party the next year, making sure the guests kept it a secret too.

Laura was a master at making sure things got done, not just at work, but on every level.  One year, Larry and Laura decided the Malone's family should do a river rafting trip along the Deschutes.  I do not swim, I do not like the water, I did not plan to go.  But Laura made sure I went - telling me (jokingly) that I better get my butt in the raft or I may not have a job to come back to.  I did what she said and (even though the raft capsized) we all survived and had a great time.

Thank you dear Laura for being such an amazing person, you touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways.  My wife and I  will miss you dearly, we loved you so much.  We promise to take care of Larry and Allie for you here, please take care of our loved ones that are with you in Heaven.  

I will always remember her laugh. It could fill a room! You always knew when Laura arrived. She always made sure to ask how I was doing and it made me feel so welcome. No matter the day her positive heart reigned. She was happy and made sure you were too. I will always remember her beautiful smile and well manicured nails, her firm, but sweet direction and advice that came from life experience. Heavy is the heart, but your love in my soul. I will always credit you for teaching me a Guinness top on a Bloody Mary!

Till we meet on the other side....

-SB❤️

Laura is an amazing woman! Some of my best childhood memories are with the Houk family! From going camping  to going to Kahneeta or watching movies together. She was always there when I needed her and always made me feel welcomed and supported.  Laura was always positive, happy and an amazing mother. I can only hope to be as great of a mom and woman as Laura. Forever missed and loved!

My deepest condolences and sympathy, Larry, Allie, and family.  May your happy memories of Laura and all of the incredible and wonderful experiences You had together shine brightly in your hearts forever.   


Besides Laura’s cute chuckle, I most think about how helpful she was to our family.  She and Larry volunteered to step in and help us for the entire school year with transportation.   We had  just met.  I have thanked God many times for sending them to us when we had no idea how we were going to manage it.  
Laura, may you be alive in a glorified body with our Lord Jesus now, remembering our last conversation where you expressed your faith in God alone.  
Blessings and peace to all who love you. 

OBITUARY

LauraLee Houk

15 January, 1968 – 22 September, 2020

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home

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