Karen Rilla Houston

Karen Rilla Houston, age 45, died Friday, October 28, 2005 of natural causes at her home in La Grande. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 4, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. A potluck will follow at the American Legion in La Grande.

Karen Rilla Houston was born on August 21, 1960, the daughter of Melvin and Elva (Brokenshire) Seidel in Elverson, Pennsylvania. As a child, her father worked as a miner and the family traveled across the country. She attended numerous schools and in 1990 she moved to Halfway to be closer to her sister. Karen later moved to La Grande where she met and married Donald Houston on August 28, 1993. Karen worked several jobs which included, the Tropidara, Denny's, Twin Firs Retirement Residence, Evergreen Vista and Evergreen Health & Rehabilitation Center, Wildflower Lodge and New Day Enterprises. She enjoyed caring for her fruit trees, playing pool, loved life and most of all loved her family.


Survivors include her husband, Donald Houston of La Grande; children Samantha Houston and Benjamin Houston both of La Grande; brothers Melvin Seidel Jr. and Arthur Seidel both of Glen Rock, Wyoming; sisters Suzie of Pennsylvania and Alice Wade of Scottsville, Kentucky; one grandchild and other relatives and friends. Her parents and one sister all preceded her in death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Karen Houston to the Cancer Research or the Oregon Trail Diabetes Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.