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REITA LENORE (PARRISH) HOUGHTON
August 7, 1913 ~ September 12, 2013
"Her two greatest passions in life
were her family and her flowers."
Reita Lenore (Parrish) Houghton, 100 years old, died on Sept. 12, 2013, at her home. She was born Aug. 7, 1913 to Curtis and Mabel Parrish of Portland, OR. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1933.
That same year at the Portland Rose Festival, Reita met her true love, Glenn F. Houghton, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. A short six months later on Jan. 22nd of 1934 on a Monday afternoon in San Diego, CA, they were married.
Throughout her life, Reita remained a devoted military spouse moving several times. First to San Diego and then to Honolulu, HI in 1935. While living there they welcomed their 1st son, Joe. In May of 1941, Glenn's orders sent them back to the mainland until he was called to serve in World War II, then to New London, CT in 1945. During this time, their 2nd son, Bruce, was born.
Glenn retired from the Navy in 1947 at which time they moved back to the Northwest. Eight years later, Reita began working for Kaiser Permanente as a secretary in accounts receivable. She remained a dedicated employee until 1975 at which time she retired.
Less than 10 years later, in January 1984 Glenn and Reita celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Mrs. Houghton was a past member of the local female Masonic order and the Submarine Veterans of WWII. She loved the outdoors, traveling, birds, her yard, crocheting, knitting, and sports of all kind-especially the Seattle Mariners.
Reita is survived by her sons, Joe and Bruce (Sharon), both of Vancouver; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Marge and niece, Sharon, of Springfield, OR.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held this Sun., Sept. 22nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Masonic Center, all are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions in Mrs. Houghton's name may be given to U.S. Sub Veterans Inc. or the Portland Rose Society.
Please sign her guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Still missing you!
Pam Phillips
Grandchild
September 19, 2020
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to Joe and Bruce and all of Reita's family and friends in your loss and sorrow. May God whisper peace into your hearts and comfort and heal them. We are grateful for Reita's service to our country and to the United States Submarine Veterans. "To our friend of the Phin”… “May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your life of service.” -- Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.
Chaplain Ray Fritz
September 23, 2013
I will always have the fondest memories of sweet Reita with love and admiration. She always had a smile and kind words and so much energy! I knew her in my infancy in Honolulu and then again when my family and she, Glenn and the boys all surprisingly wound up here in Vancouver years later and renewed our friendship. Although my family later moved to Portland we remained friends all through the years. She was always such a lady and I loved her dearly.
Blanche Grimes
September 22, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lee Cover
September 20, 2013
She saved the best years with the Lord last but she is blessed the same as if she had been with the Lord most of her life. God is so gracious and faithful to all who believe on the Lord Jesus.
Lee Cover
September 20, 2013
Back to Personal Message All Condolences From all of us From an Individual Poems All 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Select Select Alberta Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Manitoba Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana New Brunswick North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey Newfoundland New Mexico Nova Scotia Northwest Territories Nunavut Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Quebec Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Saskatchewan Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming Yukon Territory American Samoa Guam Marshall Islands Micronesia Northern Marianas Palau Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Add a photo to your message (optional) Preview Entry September 20, 2013 Farewell, Grandma. I will miss you and look forward to reuniting in God's Kingdom. Thanks for the perms (haha), who knew that many years later I would actually pay for them! XOXO Neitha
September 20, 2013
Over the last two years my grandmother Reita developed a close relationship with the Lord. Always having a faith in God was something I had observed, but two years ago she entered into a beautiful personal relationship with Him. I had the honor of hearing her pray before bed-she prayed the most beautiful prayers for her family and concerns.
Thank you Grandma for showing me that faith keeps building and growing as long as we live regardless of age.
Pamela Houghton Phillips
September 20, 2013
Passed as she lived, very "classy"!
Richard Rolloff
September 20, 2013
I think of you every day and miss you more than you'll ever know. You are such a beautiful lady and someone who I look up to and admire so deeply. You will forever hold a big place in my heart my dear sweet friend. I love you,
Lisa McNamee
P.S. Are you getting the chips I'm sending?
September 20, 2013
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