Mary Louise (Wibel) Houston

Hoosick Falls - Mary Louise Houston left for her final RV trip on December 30, 2022, joining the love of her life, Delano “Sam” Houston, and their two Boston Terriers, “B.J.” and “Sparky” for a grand tour that has been in the works since 2009, when Sam departed to prepare their heavenly RV. 

Seeing her off on this next adventure are her brother, Howard Wibel (OH) and her three children, Tom (Tanya) Houston (NY), Tamara Houston (CA) and Karen (Michael) McGee (AZ) and two generations of grand/great grandchildren. 

Mary, being a creative writer and documentarian, will surely take notes on the journey in her usual detailed style.

While we don’t know their full itinerary, some of the stops must include re-visiting some favorite places and seeing those that have been waiting – some for many years – for their arrival. Their first stop will probably be their favorite campsite, Doran Park, in Bodega Bay. As they drive along Highway One, they’ll be remembering their “big moves” from St. Paris, Ohio, where they met in first grade, to Vista, CA, during Sam’s Marine Corp service, to Greenville, Texas, and then back again to Sonoma County, California. Stops at Camp Pendleton will bring back memories of Mary’s work as a stenographer for the Criminal Investigation Section and the Office of the Provost Marshal, and late nights playing “Hearts” with friends over cans of Dr. Pepper. Others from California will welcome them, including seniors from Mary’s creative writing classes, and members from several church choirs, now singing in the most heavenly choir of all.

They’ll then head straight for Ohio (hoping to catch another Johnny Cash concert along the way) stopping first at the old farmhouse where Mary grew up, then the Top Hat diner, and finally at a St. Paris High School reunion (where Mary was a cheerleader and graduated salutatorian). The “Class of ‘53” remained close for decades and, while the earthly attendance grew smaller over time, the graduates have, no doubt, kept the party going on the other side. Stops at The Ohio State University acknowledge her work for the Dean, the College of Education, and Dept. of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, and a drive by Wright Patterson AFB will recall that, right out of high school, Mary worked there as a stenographer and clerk. 

Mary’s parents, Wilbur and Olive, will be at the farmhouse along with her grandparents, Charles and Nannie Kizer, her two sisters, Mildred and Martha, and her older brother K. Thomas. Sister-in-law Rita, and Sam’s mother and father, La Verne and “Blackie,” will be waiting with open arms.  

Once they’ve caught up with friends and family, Sam and Mary will again hit the open road enjoying campgrounds and heavenly vistas, making up for 13 years apart. On this trip, Mom’s dutiful preparation of healthy meals in an RV kitchen will no longer be required.

Mary grew up a farmer’s daughter, emerging from the depression in difficult times as America headed into war. Her girlhood was filled with hard farm work but also with dreams of continuing her education, becoming a famous writer or a nurse. Yet, she selflessly put her dreams on hold raising three children, supporting their dreams and ambitions, and Sam in his career. All who knew her will remember her as soft-spoken with a delicate Texas drawl, her acts
of service (always bringing a casserole or dessert to share!) and a beautiful laugh that was rarely heard after losing her husband of more than 55 years. A greater love story was never written. 

Cremation in NY will be followed by interment alongside Sam at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, California. No immediate services are planned.  To sign the guest book, light a candle or for service directions, visit www.brycefh.com or send to Bryce Funeral Home, 276 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY 12180. Donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) are gratefully accepted.

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