Leah June Houston

Leah June Hall Houston left this world on March 2, 2025, after facing dementia and cancer with the same quiet strength that carried her through life. She was born on April 19, 1934, in Beckley, West Virginia, to Walker Harrison Hall and June Kathryn Brunk. After attending Beckley College, she packed up and moved to Roswell, New Mexico, for a secretarial job at Continental Oil Company. It was there that she met Louis Burl Houston, the man who finally convinced her to marry him. They wed on February 18, 1956, and built a life together until Louis passed in 2017. In 1971, the family settled in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where Leah found work at an accounting firm that would eventually be owned by her son Michael. She ran that office with efficiency and grace until her well-earned retirement in 2016. But the real story of Leah Houston isn’t about jobs or places she lived—it’s about love. She was, first and foremost, a mother. Devin, Michael, Marisa, and Kim were her pride and joy. She was protective but not overbearing, demanding but never unkind. She wanted the best for her kids but never tied her love to their achievements. She loved them simply because they were hers. And she extended that love beyond her own children—she was a champion for all kids. Alongside her dear friend, Nancy Van Poucke, Leah helped create a scholarship program for Siloam Springs High School graduates, making sure others had opportunities to succeed. Leah was sharp, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind. She didn’t suffer fools gladly and had no problem telling you exactly what she thought. But her opinions weren’t just talk—she believed in fairness, justice, and standing up for what was right. If something needed fixing, she did her best to fix it. She leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply: Devin (Trish) Houston, Michael (Nena) Houston of Siloam Springs, AR; Marisa (Russ) Rasnic of Hot Springs, AR; and Kim (Joe) Houston of Jenks, OK. Her ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren will always remember their Granny’s love, wisdom, and maybe even a few of her stubborn streaks. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Springs in Siloam Springs for the kindness and care they showed Leah in her final years. A private service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, where Leah and Louis will be laid to rest together.

Tributes

Leah June Houston

April 19, 1934 - March 2, 2025