Jo Ellen Van Houten, 73, of Sherman, formerly of Chatham and Springfield, passed away peacefully Monday, March 3, 2014, with her family by her side. Jo Ellen was born July 13, 1940, in Springfield to the late Leroy and Dora Jane Wiant Buchanan. She married David Larry Van Houten and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Van Houten worked for Bell Telephone, for Dr. Kudakis and for Simplex. Jo Ellen will be greatly missed by her daughter, Brenda Van Houten of Springfield; son, David Brent (Kathy) Van Houten of Modesto; brothers David (Robin) Buchanan and Roy (Pat) Buchanan of Springfield; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Private family services will be held with burial at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to APL, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.
