Lorna Grace Houtchens

Lorna Grace (Smyth) Houtchens was born in Venus, Nebraska on March 27, 1918. Her parents, John H. Smyth and Grace N. (Bearinger) Smyth were farmers and storeowners. She was fourth of eight children. Lorna attended Orchard high school and Wayne State Teacher’s College. She became a third grade teacher in Orchard with the opportunity to teach her younger twin sisters. Another teaching opportunity in Torrington, Wyoming brought Robert Austin Houtchens into her life. Bob and Lorna were married on May 10, 1942 in Orchard, NE.

While Bob served in the U.S. Army in England and France during WWII, Lorna kept the home fires burning in Orchard. Upon her husband’s return in 1946, they moved to Denver, Colorado. Bob and Lorna made their first home at 922 Leyden. In 1953, they welcomed their first child, Robert Austin Houtchens, Jr. He was soon followed by a second son, Bruce David Houtchens in 1954. The family moved to 235 Niagra where Scott Douglas Houtchens completed their family in 1955. In 1965, the family made its final move to 3765 South Jersey Street, where Lorna made her home until 2012.

Lorna enjoyed traveling making several trips to Europe with Bob, a visit to Japan with sister Phyllis, and numerous Houtchens family vacations. The Houtchens clan – all fourteen – travelled together to beautiful locales including Vail, Hilton Head, Maui, the Caribbean, Cape Cod, and Las Vegas. Every grandchild has the fondest memories of the kiddie pool set up under the spreading arms of a shady silver maple.

A commensurate hostess, Lorna extended hospitality to numerous relatives and friends over the years. Family members fondly remember the many occasions she and her sisters were found in the kitchen cooking up a great meal and family fun. The Houtchens home served as the scene of many holiday and birthday gatherings, in addition to the occasional “just because” celebration. Friends and family visiting from out of town enjoyed a comfortable bed and morning coffee with great conversation. Well into her life, Lorna continued to play bridge and host the “39 and Holding” group.

In addition to homemaking, Lorna worked with her mother at a bookstore near the University of Denver campus. She also was a bookkeeper and assisted her husband in land division and managing apartments. Lorna contributed to her community by volunteering at Slavens Elementary and the American Cancer Society. She was active at Wellshire Presbyterian Church.

Lorna enjoyed dancing at the Lowry Officer’s Club with Bob on Saturday nights. Family activities included travel, camping, fishing, snow tubing, mountain drives and even riding on mini-bikes.

Lorna delighted in her sons, Robert Austin (Cindy Barth) of Milford, MA, Bruce David (Michele Rainville) of Denver, CO and Scott Douglas (Jeanene Mosgovoy) of Vista, CA. Besides her sons, the love of Lorna’s life were her grandchildren. Bob Jr.’s children Hilary Lee (Houtchens) Fernandes, of Northbridge, MA and Graham Robert Houtchens (Heather Comolli) of Millis, MA called her Grandma. Bruce’s children Brooke Christine Houtchens of Denver, CO, Bryce David Houtchens (Leslie Kaup) of Arvada, CO and Krysta Marie Houtchens of Denver, CO called her Mimi. Scott’s children, Lauren Ashley Houtchens of Vista, CA and Audra Lynn Houtchens of Carlsbad, CA called her Grandma Houtchens. Lorna also enjoyed her seven great-grandchildren: Emilia Grace, Penelope Lee, Peyton Ashley, Theodore Robert, Mariah Margaret, Trevor Amen, and Jensen Reed. She was looking forward to welcoming her eighth great grandchild in August.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Austin Houtchens; her son, Robert Austin Houtchens, Jr.; all of her sisters: Dorothy, Eleanor, Luella, Phyllis, Jeannette and Jeannine. Her brother, John William Smyth, and numerous loving nieces and nephews survive her.

Donations in Lorna’s honor can be made to the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/, the Heifer Project http://www.heifer.org, Denver Public Schools Foundation http://dpsfoundation.org/.