ShawneeDispatch.com

1931 -- 2007

Shawnee

Geri Houghton, 76, of Shawnee, died peacefully June 25, 2007, at the Kansas City Hospice House, with her family at her bedside. Even though she was never a smoker, she was diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer over five years ago.

She was born Geraldine Delores Reece to Harold and Jennie (Stec) Reece on March 11, 1931. Both parents preceded her in death, as well as her sister, Patricia Weir. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1949. She married James J. Michaels on January 11, 1950, and that union produced four children. Mr. Michaels lost his life in a car/train accident on June 11, 1968. She later married her current husband, Clyde Houghton, on July 9, 1969. Mrs. Houghton was baptized into the Catholic faith at the age of 11, and was a devout Catholic all of her life. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Shawnee, and had been a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Tucson, Ariz.

She loved to travel, visiting Europe five times, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and the Baja Peninsula. She had a particular love for the Southwest, especially Arizona, where she made her home for parts of 18 years. She had a close connection with the Plains Indians and numerous art objects from that love adorn her home. She also had been an avid square dancer as a member of the Cloverleafs, Royal Sets, and the Jim Dandy clubs, attending five national conventions. She was a member of Skyline Country Club in Tucson and Lake Quivira Country Club.

Mrs. Houghton was involved in the Lung Cancer Support Group in Tucson; and she was instrumental in starting up a Lung Cancer Support Group at KUMED. She also volunteered at the Alzheimer's Association in Tucson.

In addition to her husband, Clyde, of the home, Mrs. Houghton is survived by all of her children: a son, Tony Michaels; and three daughters, Terri Langum, Tammy Edmondson and Tracey Nelson. There are nine grandchildren: James J. Michaels II, Leslie Miles, Steve Michaels, Stephanie McClain, Amy Edmondson, Katie Langum, Roman Orlt, Alex Edmondson, and Madeline Orlt, and two great-grandchildren, Jamie and Jay McClain.

Visitation and the rosary were June 28 at the Amos Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The funeral was June 29 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Shawnee, with burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Shawnee.

The family suggests a remembrance in her honor, to the Kansas City Hospice House at 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City MO 64145. The nurses, staff and volunteers demonstrated overwhelming care, compassion and empathy. The family also acknowledges, with thanks, the valiant efforts of the KUMED personnel who cared for her the 32 days before she came to KC Hospice. Special thanks to Doctors Fleming, Gronseth and Porter-Williamson, as well as the staff on wards 53 and 66.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amosfamily.com. Arrangements: Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, (913) 631-5566.