Mary Marise Rinne Houghton

Mary Marise Rinne Houghton, age 95, of St. Louis, Missouri passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Mary was born in 1928 to Oscar H. and Rosella Rinne in Nashville, Illinois, where she graduated from Nashville Community High School. Moving to Clayton in 1948 to live with her sister, she enjoyed dressing many of St. Louis’s most elite women with their wardrobes at Peck & Peck and Seldon Cooper. It was in Clayton that she met and married the love of her life, Philip W. Houghton, a dashing World War II fighter pilot employed by McDonnell Aircraft. Together they raised three children; Donna, Philip Jr., and Stephen in St. Louis County. As a devoted wife and mother, she served the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, St. John’s Mercy Hospital, American Cancer Association, City of Creve Coeur in Missouri and the Buell Children’s Museum and Sangre de Cristo Art Center in Colorado. Her boundless love and dedication to others remained steadfast throughout her life’s journey.

After Phil’s career as a test pilot, they retired to Pueblo West, Colorado, to be near their children and they enjoyed golfing, skiing, and hiking in Colorado.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, her son Stephen, her two sisters; Margaret and Linda, along with her parents. Mary’s genuine kindness and selflessness radiated from her, creating connections that spanned generations. Even in her final moments, Mary’s mind and spirit remained vital and engaging, a testament to her enduring strength and zest for life. Her ability to uplift and inspire those around her was nothing short of remarkable.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life is being planned by the family.

Mary will be laid to rest with her beloved Phil, at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville, Illinois.

Contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans, https://help.dav.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Houghton family.