Hazel Hazel Gardner Houck

Ruth Hazel Gardner Houck was born in Durwood, Oklahoma on January 31, 1919 and passed away December 21, 2013 in Oklahoma City at the age of 94. Her parents were Albert Cletus “Cap” Gardner and Ethel Izora Little. Her mother died when Hazel was only eleven years old, leaving her to care for her father and two younger brothers. She raised her two siblings while maintaining the home including all cleaning, cooking, laundry, sewing and gardening while still attending school.

She married Archie Preston Houck in 1936. To that union three children were born: a son Albert Lavern and two daughters, Betty Louise and Janet Kay. The family moved from Seminole to Oklahoma City in the early 1950s until her husband’s employment moved them to Texas and later to Kansas. In 1976, she returned to her home in Oklahoma City when her husband died.

Hazel was proud of her Chickasaw heritage and was a member of the Oklahoma City Chickasaw Elders. A devout Christian, she was a member of Northwest Christian Church. She was a member of PEO, was an avid contributor to the HUGS Project having crocheted over 3,000 caps which were sent to the American service members serving overseas. Hazel was a lifelong quilter, gardener and seamstress. On her 80th birthday, she became a volunteer at Baptist Hospital working in the floral department delivering flowers to patients. She continued serving in this capacity until she was 92.

She was predeceased by her husband, Archie, a granddaughter, Krista, and son-in-law, Charles London. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lavern and Marsha Houck; daughter, Betty London, daughter and son-in-law, Janet Kay and Richard Johnson. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Hazel leaves a legacy of tremendous love, respect, generosity and compassion. Her strong faith in God was evidenced by her daily living and was easily recognized by all who knew her.