In Memory Of
Erma Ruth Houchins
1925
2021
Erma Ruth Houchins
June 3, 1925 — October 16, 2021
Erma Ruth Houchins, 96, Topeka, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021.
She was born June 3, 1925, in Lyndon, Kansas, the daughter of Ben and Zella (Vaughn) Burkdoll. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Lyndon High School in 1943. After high school, she attended Clark's Business School.
On December 30, 1945, she married her sailor and love of her life, Max L. Houchins on the family farm in Lyndon. After Max's honorable discharge from the Navy, they moved to Topeka in 1946 and began their family.
Erma worked for Topeka Public Schools in food service, retiring after over 20 years.
Mrs. Houchins was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church and previously Northland Christian Church.
She is survived by her children, James B. Houchins (Golda), Topeka and Holly A. Coleman (Joel), Bozeman, MT; six grandchildren, James B. Houchins II (Stephanie), Donald E. Martin (Dana), David J. Coleman (Jacquie), Daniel T. Coleman (Anna), and Caitlin A. Coleman; seven great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, one sister, and granddaughter, Nancy Gutierrez and her husband, Andrew.
Erma loved her family, and was most happy when they were all together. She enjoyed cooking and made the best pies, especially apple and cherry. She was an avid gardener with flowers and vegetables. Her faith was strong and an inspiration to her family.
Erma's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aldersgate Village in the Lincoln unit and Interim Hospice for the care and compassion provided to Erma through the years.
Visitation will begin at 10 am Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Highland Park United Methodist Church followed by funeral services at 11 am. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604.
To leave a message for Erma's family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born June 3, 1925, in Lyndon, Kansas, the daughter of Ben and Zella (Vaughn) Burkdoll. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Lyndon High School in 1943. After high school, she attended Clark's Business School.
On December 30, 1945, she married her sailor and love of her life, Max L. Houchins on the family farm in Lyndon. After Max's honorable discharge from the Navy, they moved to Topeka in 1946 and began their family.
Erma worked for Topeka Public Schools in food service, retiring after over 20 years.
Mrs. Houchins was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church and previously Northland Christian Church.
She is survived by her children, James B. Houchins (Golda), Topeka and Holly A. Coleman (Joel), Bozeman, MT; six grandchildren, James B. Houchins II (Stephanie), Donald E. Martin (Dana), David J. Coleman (Jacquie), Daniel T. Coleman (Anna), and Caitlin A. Coleman; seven great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, one sister, and granddaughter, Nancy Gutierrez and her husband, Andrew.
Erma loved her family, and was most happy when they were all together. She enjoyed cooking and made the best pies, especially apple and cherry. She was an avid gardener with flowers and vegetables. Her faith was strong and an inspiration to her family.
Erma's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aldersgate Village in the Lincoln unit and Interim Hospice for the care and compassion provided to Erma through the years.
Visitation will begin at 10 am Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Highland Park United Methodist Church followed by funeral services at 11 am. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604.
To leave a message for Erma's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Erma Ruth Houchins, please visit our flower store.
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