Mary Kathleen House

Early Life

Mary Kathleen “Kay” Gormand was born on a dry, windy day in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 14, 1935, to Roberta Louise and Bruce Dennis Gormand. Two years later, her brother Frederick arrived, and together, they spent their childhood hiking, camping in the mountains, and learning dances from Navajo Indians—a fascination that faded as formal schooling began.

Education and Young Love

Kay completed high school at Southwestern Junior College in Keene, Texas, where she met her future husband, Charles Harold House. Their connection grew through thoughtful gestures, like Charles giving Kay his photograph and a heartfelt letter expressing his love and commitment.

Marriage and Family Beginnings

On August 30, 1954, Kay and Charles married in Albuquerque. They soon moved to California, where Charles attended medical school at Loma Linda University and Kay earned her “PHT” degree, meaning "putting hubby through." Their family expanded quickly, welcoming three daughters and one son.

Medical Career and Mission Work

With Charles’s education completed in 1959, the family relocated to Washington, DC, enduring the humid summers while Charles finished his internship and emergency room training with Malyn Medical Group. Later, they moved to Beeville, Texas, where they assisted in building Beeville Memorial Hospital, a church, and a school. Life in rural Texas was challenging, especially in their farmhouse without a bathroom, but Kay and Charles embraced these hardships as part of their mission.

Family Adventures and Growth

After three and a half years in Beeville, the family moved to Killeen, Texas, bringing their children, a Shetland pony, and a notably large Great Dane. One memorable journey involved transporting a day-old pony in the back of their Chrysler. Settling in Killeen, life focused on work, schooling, and summer trips to Mexico, where they visited missionary grandparents and explored the country.

Unexpected Blessings and Military Service

Just as the Army drafted Charles for the Vietnam War, Kay learned she was expecting twins. The family was transferred back to California, where Kay and Charles cared for their six children—four older ones and their newborn twin daughters—before returning to Killeen in 1970.

Community Impact and Professional Pursuits

In Killeen, Kay and Charles played a vital role in establishing Metroplex Hospital, building a church, and developing a church school. Their work expanded to include four nursing homes and a retirement center. Kay pursued a degree in Healthcare Interior Design, applying her skills to hospitals, churches, schools, nursing homes, and residences.

Artistic Endeavors and Leadership

Art became Kay’s passion. She created oil and watercolor paintings, displayed her work in local galleries, painted backdrops for the Newcomb School of Ballet, participated in the Salado Art Fair, and taught children’s art workshops. She taught art in schools, directed Pathfinder programs, and served as a Master Guide from 1969 to 1986, instructing over 500 children at Lone Star Camp. Kay also designed costumes for the Killeen Girls Choir and accompanied them to the World’s Fair in Knoxville in 1982.

Global Mission Work

Kay and Charles broadened their mission work, building churches and schools around the world. In 1981, they helped found Canvasback Missions, with Kay serving as mission cook for trips to Pacific Island Nations. In 2002, they joined ShareHim Mission in India, where Kay shared Bible stories with more than 5,000 children each night. From 2003 to 2016, they joined the Oklahoma Mission Group and Maranatha Missions for over twenty trips, during which Kay continued to cook, often in outdoor kitchens and sourcing ingredients from local markets.

Later Years and Enduring Influence

After retiring from mission travel, Kay and Charles devoted themselves to their local church and ongoing mission support while enjoying time at home. Kay remained active, walking her standard poodle Coco, raising canaries, gardening, reading, and caring for Charles until his passing in 2020. Her talents and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and she will always be remembered as “purely beloved.” Kay passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025.

Kay is survived by her children: Dr. Janelle House, Charles House, Jr., Dr. Michelle Berry, Melinda Graham, Delisa East, Desiree Garrett, as well as numerous grandchildren, one great grandchild, and many friends across continents.

Services September 29,2025

Crawford Bowers Funeral Home

1615 South Ft Hood Road

Killeen, Texas

Visitation: 11:00–12:00

Services: 12:00–1:00

Graveside Services: 2:00

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery