Emma Dee Houston passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021, in Kanab, Utah at age 90. She was born May 5, 1931, in Panguitch Utah, to Preston Dee Orton and Emma Henrie. Her mother passed away on May 8, 1931, from complications with childbirth. Emma Dee’s grandmother (Mary Elizabeth Linford Orton) raised Emma Dee.
Emma Dee grew up and attended school in Panguitch, Utah. Shortly after the end of her junior year, Emma met the love of her life while roller skating. Bob Wright Houston, who had just returned from war, and swept Emma Dee off her feet. The love they had for each other married them on May 8, 1948, in Fredonia, AZ. Their marriage was later sealed in the St. George Temple for time and all eternity on October 31, 1970.
Emma was kept busy raising three children at home while Bob was on the road driving truck. Emma loved being a mother, and truly was one of her joys in life. Her passion for family help raised thirteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Emma’s passion for family carried into her profession. Her cream pie was well known, and many people drove from miles away to have a piece of Emma’s pie. She loved being in business with her two boys. Her passion for family built a business that was well recognized.
Emma loved the Christmas season. Emma would spend hours decorating her house to share with her family and friends. One of the items Emma was well known for was her homemade fudge. The family traditions Emma established during those holiday months are still carried out today.
Emma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints. She held many different callings in her ward and stake. One of the callings she enjoyed serving was the activities coordinator. Emma spent countless hours coordinating roadshows, theater plays, dance festivals and sporting events for the youth. Emma’s satisfaction in life was giving her time back to the community.
After retirement, Emma loved spending time with her husband at the cabin at Panguitch Lake. Emma and Bob would spend the summer fishing with the grandchildren on the lake or just relaxing on the front porch swing. Many great memories were created at Panguitch Lake.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents, her sweetheart Bob Wright Houston, granddaughter Jennifer Houston, and great grandson Karson Davis. She is survived by her children Robert (DayLean), Shirley (Clyde) Smith, and Joe (Molly), and her siblings Merle Orton, Wally Orton, Duane Orton, and Jackie Orton.
Funeral Services for Emma Dee Orton Houston will be on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11:00am at the Kanab 5th Ward chapel, 20 West Center Street Kanab, Utah. There will be a viewing at the chapel on Sunday from 6-8 pm and on Monday, from 9:30-10:45am prior to the funeral. Burial will be at the Kanab Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
The Funeral will be livestream/Zoom through the link below.
https://zoom.us/j/98174854894?pwd=UUY3d29jVnRpc1ZyK0lrRmtQQUZlUT09
Emma was a special lady and one the Nick Ramsay family will always remember. When Emma was in charge of doing something you knew it was going to be something that would take energy and work but the satisfaction that came with a job well done was something that we all remember about her. She always did her best and expected others to do their best and give 100% in work or play. She raised an excellent family that is still giving of themselves and her memory today. We have missed these last couple of years and not being able to see her smile. Rest in peace Emma.