Earla Dean Houston

Earla was born the oldest of three girls on June 24, 1935, in Spadra, AR, to Ernest and Jewell Key (nee: Roberts). She passed away on September 19, 2024, at Villages of Jackson Creek Skilled Nursing.

Earla was a loving mother, devoted wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Born and raised on a small family farm in Arkansas where times were tough and modern conveniences were few, she faced her life with a practical, straightforward approach. She played the hand she was dealt, not expecting favors or help from others. The difficult challenges she faced throughout her life were met with a strong perseverance and no-nonsense attitude. That also meant tact was not her strong suit! She could be brutally honest, but she also had a great sense of humor that helped soften the blows.

When asked about her own dreams and aspirations, Earla would simply state that it was a waste of time and energy; she was busy enough dealing with life. Her family was her life, and she devoted all her time and energy to loving and supporting them. We think she probably missed her calling as a healthcare professional because there wasn't a wound or injury that she was afraid to look at or treat! Her children, relatives, and neighbors would come to her for treatment before they saw a doctor.

Earla preferred quiet, surrounded by the comforts of home and a good book. She was an avid reader who read hundreds of novels. She thought TV was a waste of time and had no appetite for drama. She did have an appetite for good food, though. She was a great cook who put many Southern-style comfort foods on the table, and, in turn, many extra pounds on her family members! She loved hosting family gatherings and sleepovers for her grandchildren, and her dishes were always the staples of those events.

Besides reading, she enjoyed sports immensely. She liked to see her children and grandchildren have success in various sports, and she bragged about her own basketball skills, saying she was the best point guard that her high school had ever seen! In her later years, she became an avid KC Royals fan and kept the family updated on all their game results.

Earla was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Jewell Key; her husband of 54 years, Robert Houston; and her grandson, Cody B. Buckley. She leaves behind her daughters, Karen Houston Howell (Rick) and Nancy Pearman (Jeff), and sons, Russell Houston and Joseph Houston, along with grandchildren Joshua Buckley, Megan Howell Peters (Nathan), Trevor Howell (Hillary), Ryan Howell, Madeline Bougadis (Blake), Matthew Houston, Jack Houston, and great-granddaughter Cody Marie Buckley. She also leaves her sisters, Imojean Smreker and Diana Welch (Jim).

A special thanks to the Villages of Jackson Creek Skilled Nursing, as well as her Harbor Hospice Team, for their thoughtful care, especially in her final days.

Earla will be deeply missed for her love, guidance, and support. Her devotion to her family will always be treasured. The family will be hosting a private event to celebrate Earla's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Whole Person, https://thewholeperson.org, Kansas City, MO.