Marian Grace Houghton

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MARIAN GRACE HOUGHTON

Marian Grace Houghton, 90, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. She was the wife of recently departed Stan Houghton. They shared 66 years of marriage together.

Born in Steinbach, MB, she was the daughter of John D. and Anna Loewen. Her early years were spent in Steinbach, aside from three years spent in Ste Anne, at which time their house burned down and the family returned to Steinbach. During Marian’s adolescent years she enjoyed friendships with a group of Christian young people called “the gang”. She attended Steinbach Bible School and taught school for one year near Gypsumville before leaving for Ecuador as a missionary at age 22, from the EMC Church.

Marian’s occupation was that of missionary and homemaker. She was so proud of her beautiful children and her husband, Stan. While on the mission field, they lost two children in infancy, which deepened her relationship with God – making her more aware of his love for her. She was grateful for the opportunity of spending over 40 years on the mission field in Ecuador.

Marian was a member of Grace Point Church. She enjoyed leading Bible studies, both at church and in her home, as well as faithfully maintaining her personal time in the Word. The highlight of her week in recent years was her Life Group meeting. She had an amazing group of supportive friends.

Marian was an avid knitter, enjoyed sewing, painting and reading. She loved to travel and to the end was planning her next road trip to Manitoba. She will be remembered for her hospitable ways, always enjoying the “Kaffe Klatch”. Marian was very quick and intelligent. She spoke three languages fluently and could get by in two others. She excelled at playing board games and could usually only be beaten if her opponent was having an exceptionally good day. Marian was patient and loving. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by: daughter-in-law Jeannie Houghton; son Laurence (Michele) Houghton; daughter Lois (Bob) Rienstra; daughter Becky (Mike) Leenstra; 14 grandchildren: Naomi (Trevor) Rokos, Ruth (John) Wolhart, Joel (Morgan) Houghton, Micah Houghton; James (Nicole), Jessica, Jennifer Rienstra; Leah (Mitch) Taylor, Jill (Kevin) Gleason; Dave, Dan (Brianna), Derick (Sue), Hope, Lydia Leenstra; and 14 great-grandchildren: Isla + 1 Rokos; Gideon, Selah Wolhart; Madeline, Isabel, Sebastian Rienstra, Elliot, Liesl Taylor; Jack, Henry Gleason; Lindsey, Whitney Leenstra, Minka, Cooper Leenstra. Marian is also survived by her sisters, Ramona (Henry) Klassen, Corrine Warkentine, Loris Loewen, and Priscilla Loewen (Daryl Martz); brothers, Jack (Helen), Barry, and Kelvin (Jocelyn) Loewen.

She was predeceased by her husband Stan, daughter Barbara, son David, son John, brothers Lloyd and Leander Loewen. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at Grace Point Church, 8278 WA-303, Bremerton, WA 98311.

As published in The Carillon on Feb 21, 2018