Esther Marie Houy

Esther Marie Houy passed away on August 20, 2014 after a struggle with stomach cancer. She was born Esther Marie Barnhart on November 27, 1926, the fifth of five children born to Asa and Katie Barnhart in Springfield, Ohio. Esther's oldest brother, Roy, served in the Coast and Geodetic Survey during World War II. While serving, Roy befriended Robert (Bob) Houy and encouraged him to correspond with Esther. Bob and Esther wrote to one another, falling in love even before they met face to face. They were married in Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren on October 24, 1946. In September of 1949, Esther gave birth to daughter, Sylvia Dianne. Six and a half years later, Esther, Bob and Sylvia moved to Phoenix. Esther will be remembered for her fun-loving, generous spirit. She made friends easily and, in recent years, became "famous" for the pens she shared with those she encountered each day, pens that reminded the recipient to "Keep a Song in your Heart." Esther is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bob, daughter Sylvia, son-in-law Carlo Veronda, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There will be a gravesite service at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City. In lieu of flowers, please make generous donations to HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY (1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014) whose caregivers provided patient, soothing care during the last weeks of Esther's life.