Elizabeth "Bette" Houska

Bette was the loving wife of the late Joseph Houska; devoted mother of Joe (the late Judy Gruber) (Chris Paige) Houska, Mary (Michael) Sommerville, John (Gwen) Houska, Jim (Diane Zoellner) Houska, Pat (Terry) Wilke, Cathy (Craig) Snavely, Tom (Vicki) Houska, Robert (Kathy) Houska, Larry Houska, Francene (Lou) Mertens, Michael (Tina) Houska, Rick (Lisa) Houska, and the late Barbara Houska; cherished grandmother of David (Katie Easterbrook) and Aaron (Kate Adamski) Houska, Becky (Tony) Zangara, Michael (Patty) Sommerville, John M. (Kaycee Eckhardt) Houska, Sarah (Wes Steele) Amad, Heather (Dae Woo Son) Houska Son, Scott (Emily Sarmiento) Houska, the late Kevin A. Houska, Kelly (Grant) Spencer, Tom (Jessica) Wilke, David Wilke, Danny Wilke, Lisa (Brandon Singleton) Wilke, Jimmy Houska, Nick (Adina) Houska, Zach (Jessica) Houska, Jacob (Anna Minicky)Houska, Ian (Molly Engel) Houska, Michael Houska, Brandon Houska, Robert (Annie) Houska, Chris (Kelsie) Houska, Casey (Kevin Gaffey) Houska, Joey Houska, Matthew (Christina) Shekell, Philip (Brooke Simon) Shekell, Gregory (Melaney) Shekell, Samantha (Sean) Connors, and Heather (Jason) Garrett; dear great-grandmother of Anthony Zangara, Lauren Zangara, Jonathan Zangara, Gabriella Zangara, Michael T. Sommerville, Madison Sommerville, Union Houska, Ava Amad, Frederick Amad, Keva Houska Son, Cleo Houska Son, Kenzie Spencer, Kevin Spencer, Josie Spencer, Jack Wilke, Harper Wilke, Aubrey Houska, Sailor Houska, Cabanie Houska, Matthew N. Shekell, Jr., Elena Shekell, Benjamin Shekell, Logan Garrett, Gus Garrett, and Annabelle Garrett; beloved aunt and great-aunt, dear friend of many classmates from the Notre Dame High School Class of 1944, a great neighbor and friend to many in her lifetime, loved and admired by all who knew her.

Bette was the 10th of 11 children born to Arthur and Monica (nee' Coveyou) McCann. She was introduced to the love of her life, Joe Houska, by her brother Jack, who desperately tried to keep them apart because of the five year age difference. But Bette was persistent and wrote to Joe unceasingly while he was away in the Navy during World War II. By the time the war was over and Joe was home for good, Bette was a stunningly beautiful 18 year old blonde, and Joe was madly in love with her.

Bette and Joe had 13 children, 12 of whom survive her. She was the epitome of patience, love, and humor, and a role model not only for her kids, but for her nieces and nephews who always looked forward to seeing her and having a great conversation. Bette had a mind filled with memories and details about people, places, and events, and her mind was sharp until the end.

Bette was always very close to her siblings and family reunions were special times. She grieved as all of them and their spouses passed before her. She remained faithful to God for His many blessings, and cherished her time here on earth. She looked forward to being reunited with Joe and all who had gone before her.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 17 from 5-8pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary 6464 Chippewa 63109. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18th, 9:45 at Assumption-Mattese Catholic Church 4725 Mattis Road 63128. Private burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of her daughter, Barbara, are greatly appreciated.

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