Mrs. R. Madeleine Youse Houk, age 93, died May 17, 2011 at Adams Memorial Hospital. She married Robert C. Houk, on July 21, 1943 he passed away in May, 1999. Born August 22, 1917, in Monroeville, she was the daughter of the late Dwight and Olga (Brown) Youse of Hoagland, where she was raised and educated. She had a great love of music and was a self-taught pianist who enjoyed playing for religious and social occasions. She'd volunteered many hours at Woodcrest Retirement Community providing piano music for such events. She was also very proud that at the age of 39 she learned to play the pipe organ at Zion United Church of Christ where she had been a member. She also enjoyed crocheting and crossword puzzles. In 1959, the family moved from Decatur to Memphis, Tenn. for Central Soya. She was employed in Memphis by Sears for 30 years. After Bob's passing, Madeleine moved back to Decatur and resided at Woodcrest until her death. Mrs. Houk is survived by her four children and their spouses, Ellen Ahr and husband, Dennis, of Frederick, MD; Philip Houk and wife, Donna, of Oakdale, CT; Kenneth Houk and wife Anita, of Memphis, TN; and Rose Houk and husband, Dr. Michael Collier, of Flagstaff, AZ; grandchildren Adam Houk, of Miami, FL, and Emily Tinnel and husband Joe, and great-granddaughter, Lily, of Coventry, CT. She will also be remembered by a very special niece, Diana Meyer Shull and husband Reg, of Woodburn, and good friend, Beth Mack of Decatur, as well as 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters, Mary L. Youse and Jeanette Meyer, and two brothers, Richard Youse and Ray Youse. Arrangements will be at the convenience of the family with inurnment at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
