Ruby R. Houchen

Ruby Rose Houchen, age 97, of Houstonia, died Wednesday, March 3, in Sedalia.  She was born on June 6, 1923 in Houstonia, daughter of J.C. and Loretta (Cashman) Higgins.  On July 22, 1962, she was married to Ralph E. “Bunny” Houchen, who survives.  Other survivors include one son, David Houchen and wife Janet, of Bucyrus, KS and five grandchildren:  Clayton, Carlie, Claire and Carson Houchen and Crista Houchen Bosley (Brent).  Ruby was preceded in death by one brother, Joseph Copsey Higgins and three sisters, Susan Ryan, Dorothy Stockhurst and Mary Ann Higgins.

Ruby joined the United States Naval Reserves (WAVES) nursing service during World War II, proudly serving her country in Bethesda, MD and at Camp Shoemaker, CA, near San Francisco Bay.

The family thanks everyone for their kindness and prayers.  We send a special thank you to Roy and Mary Arnett for their love, assistance and friendship. With their support, Bunny and Ruby lived independently in their farmhouse as long as possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Houstonia Cemetery Association or First United Methodist Church of Sedalia.

The body will be cremated in accordance with her wishes.  There will be an informal graveside service on Saturday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Houstonia Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Funeral Home.