Mary Jane Houk (Bolivar)'s Obituary
The family of Mary Jean Houk is heartbroken to share that she passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, one day before her 88th birthday. She was surrounded by so much love when Jesus called her home. Mary was born September 9, 1937, to Willard and Juanita (Collins) Stewart. Willard died when Mary was only 3 years old, and Juanita married Carl Bewley, who raised her and her brothers and sister. Mary graduated from Bolivar in 1955. While working at the Nifty Cafe, she was set up on a blind date with James Houk. They were married on September 18, 1955, and spent 70 years together. They were blessed with two sons, Ronald and Bruce. As any couple, they had many ups and downs, but love and God saw them through. They lived in Bolivar, Humansville, Fordland, Springfield then came home to Bolivar, where Mary resided at the time of her death. Mary worked at Ramey's Supermarket in Springfield, Wade's Supermarket in Bolivar, and CMH. And, of course, she was a homemaker, which was the job she loved the most. She was an excellent baker and cook and loved making pies and cobblers for family dinners. We all looked forward to the desserts. Mary was an avid bowler and went to many bowling tournaments with her lifelong friend, Winnie Ball. If you ever stopped by to visit, you know there were 2 televisions on and at least one of them had a basketball game on. Mary and James went on many trips. her favorite being 20 years ago for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. An amazing trip to Alaska. She was an active member of Campbell Grove Missionary Baptist Church until her health worsened. She looked forward to a chance to be a substitute at the piano. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Stewart, Juanita and Carl Bewley, her mother and father-in-law, Russell and Beulah Houk, son, Ronald Houk, granddaugher, Bridgett Dawn Houk, a great granddaughter, Ryleigh Jo Glenn. Also, her brother Lee Stewart and sisters (husbands) Betty Blankenship (Lowell) and Jane Ann Moore (Tom). She is survived by her husband James Houk, son Bruce Houk, and wife Karen. Two grandsons, Todd Houk and James Houk (Jennifer), two granddaughters, Jaclyn Glenn (Adam) and Jessica Marshall (Brett), 9 great-grandchildren Austin Houk, Avery, Harper and Zoey Houk, Ray and Evelyn Glenn and Henry, Haddie and Aggie Marshall, one brother, Glenn Stewart (Cindy), along with several nieces, nephews, and friends. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for your kindness, prayers, cards, flowers, food, visits, and friendships.
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