Elizabeth "Dean" Ratchford Houser

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” was her favorite scripture…Elizabeth “Dean” Houser, age 87, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at her residence in LaFayette, Georgia with her best friend and caregiver by her side. A woman of God, Dean and her friend Bridget would read the Bible and pray daily. Dean loved Chinese food, shopping, crocheting, and collecting cookbooks. And she loved sitting in her $10 pink rocking chair with her dog Buddy. Dean is going to be missed dearly by her family and friends.

Dean is survived by her three grandchildren: Steven Houser and wife Melissa, Zack McCloud and Michelle McCloud; special caregiver and friend: Bridget Cagle; other caregivers: Barry Smith and Savannah Crouch; her favorite companion:

Buddy the Shih Tzu.

She was the daughter of the late Lathan Columbus Ratchford and Stella Mae Shuford Ratchford. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Charles “Bud” Houser.

A Life Well Celebrated Ceremony will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Carothers Funeral Home Chapel, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina with Reverend Caroll Flack delivering words of comfort to Dean’s family and friends.

Active pallbearers are Steven Houser, Zack McCloud, Barry Smith and Britton Gilbert.

Entombment and committal services will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace where Dean will be reunited with her husband Bud.

The family will receive guests from 1:00 PM ~ 3:00 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, StJude.org in memory of Dean Houser.

Those who wish to share fond memories and make expressions of love to her family are asked to visit Dean’s guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park and the Dallas Funeral Home are compassionately serving Dean Houser’s family.