Obituary of Patricia Houston

Patricia Joyce Ronan Houston, 76, went to her Lord on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Pat was born in Pasco, WA on May 17, 1937 to Walter and Grace (Mahan) Rock, the oldest of three children. By the time of her passing, she had touched many lives, not the least of which were her seven beloved children. Pat was a devoted Catholic and committed parent who had an unflagging determination in the face of adversity. As a single mother in her thirties, she fought and won a landmark case against the state of Washington that allowed her to attend nursing school while receiving public assistance. That victory, and her unbending resolve to better herself and her family, allowed her to earn her diploma in 1971 at Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, WA, all the while supporting herself and her (at the time) five children. This accomplishment was admired by her family, friends, and fellow classmates, and her example later inspired many of her children to work for a better life through higher education. She is survived by her brothers, Jim and Mike Rock; her son, Mark Ronan; her daughters, Michele (Chris) Church, Monique (Don) Judkins, Colleen (Jeff) Giese, Christie (Dan) Schlesinger, Catherine (Patrick) Jackson, and Bevin (Josh Linden-Levy) Houston; her stepdaughter, LouAnn Hommel; her former husband, Bill Houston; her 13 loving grandchildren; and her 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Patrick William Ronan. Pat enjoyed all aspects of life. She was a fabulous cook, an avid gardener, a longtime Oregon Duck fan, and a voracious reader who always seemed to have a book in her hands. She inspired all of those who knew her with her uncompromising courage, and she will be dearly missed. A viewing and rosary in her honor will be held Tuesday at 11:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be held at noon with a reception to follow. Her remains will be interned at Mount Calvary at a following date (TBD). The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Fox Hollow Assisted Living and to Sacred Heart Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Start Making A Reader Today (S.M.A.R.T.), a program Pat passionately supported. Donations can be made in her name at getsmartoregon.org or at 877-598-4633.Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com