Sarah Houston

Sarah Virginia Houston, 79, departed this life on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at University Nursing and Rehab. A funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.
Sarah was born February 26, 1929 to Harry and Helen (Longmire) Woods in Hannibal, Missouri. She attended Douglas Public School where she found her passion and training in food preparation. She later displayed these skills by working for Drake University, William Penn College, and Polk County Women’s Correctional Facility. All this was done while being a full time mother.
Sarah Houston was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was associated with the Union Park Congregation.
Sarah was united in marriage; to Richard Mattox and from that union was blessed with one child; to Jethro Moore and blessed with five children; and later in her life to Howell Houston.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Jethro Moore and Howell Houston; sons, Jethro “Butchie” Clay Moore and William Leon Moore; grandson, Brian Keith Wheels, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Jimmie, and Joy; brothers, Edward L. Bundy, Sr. and Harry C. Woods; and sister, Mary Helen Houston.
She leaves to cherish her memories, children, Helen Mattox Duke, Barbara Sue (Robert) Wheels, Dennis (Gaynell) Moore, Sr., and Danita (Jeffrey) Lewis; sisters, Dorothy Clark, Barbara Jean Parker, Charlotte Bueford, and Marlene Shivers, all of Des Moines; brother, James L. Woods of California; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.
Sarah loved her family, and in return, many special nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children also loved her and will miss her greatly. She will always be fondly remembered for her pizza, homemade rolls, and peach cobbler.

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