Betty Lou Houston

Betty Houston, 63, of Loami, passed away at 4:10 am, Sunday, April 13, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born July 31, 1950 in Granite City, IL. She married Robert Houston on July 1, 1977, and he survives.

Also surviving are three children, Tammy Lang of Chatham, Robert (Connie) Houston, Jr. of Chatham, and Tracy (Ben) Sutton of Lawton, OK; four grand children, Taylor Houston, Jordan Lang and Jaiden and Kaylee Houston; three sisters, Janet Wylde of Granite City, Linda (Martin) Hughes of Oakland, KY, and Chrissy Watters of Springfield; one brother, Gary McDowell of Belleville, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Viola Diefenback, step-father, Merritt Diefenback and father, Raymond Elvis McDowell, and her granddaughter, Kayla Robinson.

She attended Springfield First Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and bowling.

Betty was employed from 1968-2011, retiring after 44 years, with the State of Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Memorial Gathering: 5-7 pm Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.

Memorial Service: 7 pm Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home with Pastor Fred Prince officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.