Mary Van Houten

Mary Van Houten, age 82, of Columbus, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at her residence after an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary’s Columbus Chapel with a private family burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, AL. A family visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Van Houten was born July 21, 1927 in Chambers County, AL the daughter of William Marcus and Adel Boyd McDonald. She had lived in Columbus most of her life and was a member of Victory Heights Baptist Church. Mrs. Van Houten had retired in 1990 from the U. S. Postal Service and worked for approximately 20 years at the Fortson Post Office.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Pat Ratledge (Jack Hendrix) of Hamilton, Carol Snyder (Doug) of Austin, TX, and Gail Minton (Tommy Ray) of Columbus; 2 sons, Donald Van Houten, Jr. (Marianne) of Wetumpka, AL, and David Van Houten of Fortson; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mrs. Van Houten was preceded in death by her brother, Harold McDonald.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Vista Care Hospice and Lucille Bailey for their care and devotion. In lieu of flowers, those so desiring may contribute to the Salvation Army, the Valley Rescue Mission or to the Brown Bag of Columbus in memory of Mrs. Van Houten.