Ellen Jane Houston

Ellen J. Houston, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, after a brief illness. Born on October 24, 1945, in Davenport, Iowa, to Harold and Thyra McKinney, Ellen lived a life full of love, creativity, and adventure.

On February 18, 1967, Ellen married the love of her life, Richard G. Houston (Dick), at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In her early career, Ellen worked as a secretary at the Rock Island Arsenal. After Dick returned from the Vietnam War, they opened CycleSport, a custom Harley-Davidson shop. Ellen played an integral role in the business managing the office while Dick focused on operations. Ellen’s love for driving eventually led her to a fulfilling career at Purolator Couriers, where she enjoyed the independence and adventure the job offered. She retired from Purolator in 1998.

Ellen had a zest for life that shone through her many passions. She loved road trips, exploring much of the country on journeys to visit family or simply enjoy the open road. A gifted and creative soul, Ellen spent countless hours knitting and crocheting special, handmade gifts that her loved ones will treasure forever. Family gatherings weren’t complete without her famous German chocolate cake, a tradition that everyone looked forward to.

An avid reader, Ellen was a devoted Stephen King fan and proudly collected all of his works. She also had a competitive spirit, excelling in bowling during her younger years and enjoying her time in the bowling league. She delighted in playing cards and games with her family, creating cherished memories with every hand dealt.

Ellen is survived by her daughters Lisa (Tim) Fahrenkrog of Davenport, IA, and Gina (Matt) Setzler of San Diego, CA; her sister MaryAnn Pauli of Davenport, IA; and her brother Tom (Joyce) McKinney of Belize. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Josh (CeCe) Kroeger of Murfreesboro, TN; Jenni (Steve) Ingleby of Riverdale, IA; Brian (Kim) Spurgeon of Pittsburgh, PA; Nicholas Seneca of San Diego, CA; Amanda Spurgeon (husband Alex Burkamper) of Rock Island, IL; Juliana Lane of San Diego, CA; and Kyle Houston of Davenport, IA. Ellen was also a proud great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren and cherished aunt to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Thyra; her husband, Dick; her son, Richard G. Houston Jr.; her sister, Joni McKinney; and her brother, Mike McKinney.

In accordance with Ellen’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The family will honor her memory with a private celebration of life on her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Ellen’s honor to https://www.breastcancer.org/