WOOSTER – Mary Lucille (Starr) Houser, 90, of Wooster, Ohio died June 17, 2009 at Wooster Community Hospital. She was born April 26, 1919 in Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio, the daughter of Irvin Mangle and Emma Adelia Zimmerman Starr. She married Raymond Earl Houser on December 28, 1939. He died in 1997.
A noted elementary school educator, Lucille attended Oak Grove Elementary School and graduated from Chester Township High School in 1937 where she served as class president for four years. She won the Wayne County declamation contest which she dedicated to the memory of her mother who died in 1936. Lucille was active in band, choir, debate team, sports and class plays.
Lucille graduated from Ashland College where she was active in sports and many social organizations. Her 30 year teaching career began when she was hired by John R. Lea to teach at an Amish school in Salt Creek Township. She taught 8 grades simultaneously and also served as the school janitor. Lucille then taught one year in Creston before intermittently substitute teaching in Columbus and Wooster for 12 years while raising her family. The remainder of her teaching career was full time at Wooster Township Elementary School in the Triway School District. Her area of teaching was kindergarten.
Lucille was a member of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church and held many offices including UMW president, conference delegate for 4 years, Sunday and Bible school teacher, and counselor at Mt. Union College. She was instrumental in starting the Golden Age Luncheons for community seniors. Later in life she attended The Church of the Saviour.
Lucille was a life member of the Wooster Community Hospital Auxiliary, Wayne Co. Retired Teachers Association, National Education Association, life (50 years) member of Eastern Star, Wayne Co. Salvation Army Auxiliary and Ashland University Alumni Band.
Her interests included teaching children, reading, playing bridge, writing notes and letters and traveling.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Helen E. Judkins of Blacksburg, VA in 2005 and Florence R. Bates of Flowery Branch, GA in 2006 and a step-brother, Carl Zimmerman.
She is survived by two sons David Irvin Houser of Marietta, GA, John Walter Houser of Port Huron, MI and a daughter Tonya Rae Houser of Lexington, OH: grandchildren Kirsti Ekeholm, Jason Houser, Erin Rae Houser and Joshua Houser and a great-grandson Julian Ekeholm. She is also survived by a step-sister Maxine Zimmerman of Mansfield and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 2-6:00 P.M. at the McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Church of the Saviour, 480 Fry Road, Wooster, OH 44691, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 22, 2009 with the Revs. Jerry Durham and John McLachlan officiating. Private family burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Lucille S. Houser Endowment Fund, c/o Ashland University, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805 which is used for scholarships for Triway High School graduates attending Ashland University majoring in elementary education or the Raymond E. & Lucille S. Houser Fund, c/o the Wayne Co. Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St., PO Box 201, Wooster, OH 44691 or to the New Pittsburg Fire Department, 1466 Perry Township Rd. 35, Wooster, OH 44691.
The family would like to thank the Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, the Hospice doctors and nurses, the staff of Wooster Community Hospital, the staff of West View Manor, family and friends for all their acts of kindness, love and support during this most difficult time. Mother will be remembered by her family and friends for her unconditional love and making a difference.

Memorial Contributions
Lucille S. Houser Endowment Fund, Raymond & Lucille S. Houser Fund c/o Wooster Community Foundation, New Pittsburg Fire Dept.

Service
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of the Saviour, 480 Fry Road, Wooster, OH 44691

Visitation
Sunday, June 21, 2009 from 2-6:00 P.M. at the McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster