Edna L. Houze

May 3, 1919 - February 27, 2009

Age: 89

Tempe, Arizona

Edna L. Houze, 89, of Sardinia, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona where she had resided with her sister for several months. Born in Roy, Montana on May 3, 1919, Edna was the daughter of Harry and Erma Agnew. She was raised in Decatur County and attended Jackson High School. She graduated from Franklin College in 1941 and received her Masters Degree from Indiana University in 1951.

Edna began her teaching career in Union City, Indiana where she taught English and Latin for 4 years. For the next 8 years she was the assistant Professor of English and the director of residences at Franklin College. From 1953 – 1959 she taught at Ottawa University in Kansas where she was also Dean of Women and associate Dean of Students. Upon returning to Indiana in 1959, she taught English at Columbus North High School, served as Dean of Senior Women, guidance counselor, and Director of Guidance until her retirement from North in 1986.

Edna married Cecil M. Houze on July 18, 1959. He preceded her in death on February 6, 2001.

Edna had been an active member of the Sardinia Baptist Church since her childhood, and served as Sunday School teacher for many years. She was director of numerous church events, and served as wedding coordinator to many local brides. Edna was also a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, Psi Association of Delta Zeta, and was a former member of the Franklin College Alumna Council.

Known to friends and family for her warmth and generosity, Edna was an encourager and an inspiration to all who knew her. She taught each one to give his best, and to strive for even more. Her penchant for etiquette and elegance, as well as her unwavering faith in God, were lessons well received by her nieces and nephews.

Edna is survived by one sister, Opal Barton, of Tempe, AZ, and two dear cousins, Janice Anderson, of Columbus, and Shirley Vanest White, of Rushville. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Don Overmyer, of Perrysville, Ohio, Jon Overmyer, of Westport, Cheryl Dougherty, Rick Agnew, and Kelly Agnew of Columbus, Kim Smith, of North Vernon, Mike Barton, of Chandler, AZ, Gary Barton and Kathy Lundgren of Gilbert AZ, Maurice Houze of Odessa, TX, Marilyn Trosky, of North Vernon, and Jerilyn Manlief of Westport.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters, Mildred and Helen Agnew, and Mabel Overmyer, and a brother, Charles Agnew.

Funeral services will be held at the Sardinia Baptist Church on Friday, March 6 at 10:00 AM. Calling hours will be at the Bass and Gasper Funeral Home in Westport on Thursday, March 5 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and on Friday 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sardinia Baptist Church through Bass and Gasper Funeral Home or directly to the church.

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