Betty Mae Houten

Betty Mae Houten, 85, of Longview passed away peacefully in her sleep and entered the arms of her Lord May 27, 2023.

She was born Jan. 10, 1938, in Chariton, Iowa, to Benny O. and Anna F. (Williams) Terrell. The family moved to Longview in 1948, and Betty graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1957. On Oct. 19, 1957, she married Eric G. Houten.

Betty was a kind, caring and loving person. She was a wonderful wife, mother and a friend to many. Eric passed away June 6, 2003, and Betty learned to enjoy exercising her independence and personal growth.

Betty was a bookkeeper for Whitrock Electric and the Glass Slipper. She held a variety of positions before retiring in 2015. Betty valued her spiritual growth. She was a member of the Longview Methodist Church, the Kelso Methodist Church, and most recently, the Longview Community Church.

She enjoyed reading historical romance novels, compiling the family genealogy, traveling, music, and community service. Betty was a member of Alpha Kappa/Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Altrusa International, the Kelso Lions Club, the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, the Community Concert Series Committee, and the Go 4th Committee.

In addition to Eric, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Nelma McIntire, Nadine Pegg, and Vicki Eyman; a brother-in-law, Bernie Eyman; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Terrell.

Survivors include a daughter, Erin Byrum of Longview; two sons, Brian Houten of Bothell, Wash., and David Houten of Longview; her twin brother, Benny Terrell of Longview; four grandchildren, Andrew Byrum of Ogden, Utah, Castian Houten of Auburn, Wash., Amber Byrum of Longview, and Jared Houten of Baltimore, Md.; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service is planned for noon Monday, June 5 at Steele Chapel with Pastor Mike Freeman from Valley Christian Fellowship officiating. Betty will be laid to rest next to Eric at Longview Memorial Park after the service. Viewings are planned from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.