Merle Ann (Hoffman) Houston age 79, of South Sioux City, Nebraska died Monday morning November 28, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at a local care facility.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 1, 2011 beginning at 2:00pm at Four Directions Center in Sioux City. Visitation began on Tuesday and will continue until service time at the center. A traditional native American wake service will be held at 7:00pm this evening. Mrs. Houston will be cremated following the funeral service and inurnment will occur at a later date. Waterbury Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com.
Merle was born on August 19, 1932 in Bloomfield, Nebraska, the daughter of Taft and Pearl (Saul) Hoffman. She spent her early years in the Bloomfield area until being united in marriage with her husband Harry W. Houston, when the family moved to the South Sioux City area.
Merle was a homemaker most of her life, who cherished the time she could spend with her family, and was actively involved in AMI meetings. She was especially proud of the fact that she participated in the Wounded Knee March in 1973. She enjoyed playing Bingo. Driving, being a humorous, gardening, watching her favorite television shows, the Today Show and The Price is Right.
Merle is survived by her loving companion Greg Gomez, her children Melvin Houston and Kimberly Bedford, her grandchildren; Shane Houston, Rodney Houston, Sasha Brown, Nina Houston, Shannon Thompson, Adam Boyle, and Amber Boyle, along with her eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Lola Larvie, Sara Harrison, Alice (Judy) Hoffman, and Sharon Cain, along with several neces and nephews, along with her dog Buddy Ann.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Tracy Lynn Boyle, sisters Karon Hoffman, Carol Hoffman, Belva Cavillo, brothers Clyde Hoffman and Curtis(Dickie) Hoffman.