Jean Belle Abboud

Jean Belle Van Houten-Abboud of Burnet, Texas, Passed from this life into the presence of Christ Jesus on November 3, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on June 29, 1939, in Billings, Montana, where she grew up as the oldest of two children on a ranch along the Yellowstone River, with Pompey's Pillar in their backyard.

In 1957, she graduated from Huntley Project.

Throughout her life, Jean worked for the family restaurant and janitorial businesses, the Omaha Symphony, Austin Ballet, and Sweet Charity.

She was actively involved in volunteering at Seton Hospitals and Sweet Charity, as well as participating in Bible study.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jay D. Van Houten and Helen Van Houten; her ex-husband, Gene Abboud; her sons, Scott Abboud and Daniel Abboud; and her longtime partner, David Flores.

She is survived by her sons, David Abboud (wife Merilee), Joseph Abboud, and Dana Abboud (wife Sharon); her daughter, Brenda Abboud-Chance (husband Lloyd Chance); 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her brother, Roger Van Houten.

Jeannie Belle, as she was affectionately called since childhood, was a warm and loving woman who would do anything for anyone. If she had something to give, she would gladly give it. When her children were young, her home was the gathering place for all their friends, who knew they were always welcome and would be treated with love and concern. She even opened her home to friends and their children when they had nowhere else to go. She was the eternal earth mother!

Her father depended on her to help with the ranch work, and from an early age, she developed a strong work ethic that stayed with her throughout her life. When an unpleasant job needed doing, Jean was the one who made it happen. No one went hungry at Jean's house.

Her love and care for people extended to animals as well. Even as a child, much to the horror of her parents, she would play with the piglets. She liked to refer to herself as a "stubborn Dutchman," and she remained stubborn to the very end. She was the best of us!

The family would like to thank Estela for the care and compassion shown to Jean in her final days. Jean passed away peacefully at home, with her daughter Brenda by her side until the very end.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Hudson Bend Cemetery on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., located at 4101 RM 620, Austin, Texas 78734.

A celebration of life will follow at the home of her son David and his wife Merilee, located at 1405 Camelback, Leander, Texas 78641.