Houser, Verna E. (Wilkes) 1921-2009

HOUSER, WILKES, SLOT

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 19:31:53

Verna Elizabeth Houser was born July 13, 1921 near Donnelly Four Corners in rural Marion County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Bessie Slot and Herman Wilkes. Verna attended rural schools in the area.

October 16, 1941 Verna was united in marriage to Orval Houser. To this union three sons were born. The family made their home on different farms in the area. They retired and moved to Knoxville in the early 1070’s.

Verna was a typical farm wife; attending to the house and children, raising a garden and chickens and assisting with the chores. She liked cats, dogs and other pets. While living on the farm, Verna was an active member of the Zion United Methodist Church Women. Later she attended the First Baptist Church in Knoxville. She and Orval enjoyed camping and were members of the Good Sam’s Club. They also attended the activities at the Senior Center in Knoxville. In later years Verna enjoyed reading various religious books. She also collected various knick-knacks. Verna was a generous person; donating to many different worthy causes.

Verna was called Home to be with her Lord, April 20, 2009 at Westridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 7 days.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband in 1994; one son, Marvin; one granddaughter, Michelle Houser; and one sister, Wilma Brause.

Those left to mourn her passing are two sons, Donald Houser and his companion, Emilene of Chariton and Jerry and Shirley Houser of Knoxville; 7 grandchildren, Diana Brown of Altoona, Douglas and Rebecca Houser of Texas, Mike and Misty Houser of Texas, Steve Houser of Norwalk, Raymond and Amber Houser of Elkhart, Andy Houser, and Perry Major; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marjorie McIntosh of Rodgers, Arkansas; as well as other relatives and friends.

Services were held on April 23, 2009 at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Wheeler officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Christopher Brown, Joe Conway, Michael, Raymond, and Steven Houser, Herman Wilkes. Musical selections were “Amazing Grace”, “How Great Thou Art”, and “The Old Rugged Cross”; CDs by Henry Wren.

Williams Funeral Home April 24, 2009