Obituary: Melba Lee Houston

11-16-1923 to 1-22-2011

Melba Lee Houston, now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, passed into glory on Jan. 22, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services. She is preceded in death by her parents, Denny and Mattie Jones, brother Melvin Jones, and husband Turner Houston, former Carson City mayor. Melba is survived by her daughter Sharyn Kruse; son Kirk Houston and his wife Jane; grandchildren Stacey Kruse and his wife Jodi, Casey Kruse, Janae and Kyle Houston, and great-granddaughter Allyson Kruse.

The family is truly grateful for the loving staff at Manor Care who provided Melba such wonderful care over the past eight years. In addition, the family greatly appreciates the loving care Melba received prior to her passing, provided by VistaCare Hospice.

Melba and her husband Turner were actively employed with the variety store, Sprouse Reitz, for the majority of their working years. Turner and Melba eventually occupied the position of district managers for the company, overseeing some 25 stores in their region. Melba finished out her career in retail working at Kitzmeyer Drug Store in Carson City.

In many ways, Melba was a "girl's girl," enjoying such pleasures as fine dining with friends and family, shopping, and dressing head to toe with all the accouterments before hitting the town. Leaving their husbands behind to "man the store," Melba and her two sisters-in-law often traveled to the Santa Cruz, Calif., area for some much needed girl time. Shopping, dining out, movies, and of course, beach time occupied much of their six-week excursions.

Melba will be most remembered for her sweet spirit, no matter the circumstances, and a woman who steadfastly believed in the power of prayer. Her family is eternally grateful for the legacy of faith she bestowed upon this, and future generations.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at First Baptist Church in Carson City.