Donna Jean Houston

Donna Jean (Hinchman) Houston, 74, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022. Donna was born in Rushville, IN on April 7, 1948. She was the fourth of five children born to the late Dr. Lowell and Esther Hinchman. Donna was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Richard Houston and older brother Ronald L. Hinchman. She is survived by her three children: Terri Christine (David) Gillay, Jeffrey Lowell (Jessie) Houston, and Timothy Richard (Meghan) Houston; dear sisters Linda (Jack) Clarkson, Lou Ann (Michael) Pursley, and Elda (Scott) Gray, and her grandchildren Nicholas, Jacob, and Amanda Gillay; Kaylee, Tyler, Alex, Benjamin, and Lilly Houston. Donna grew up a country girl. As a veterinarian, her father surrounded Donna and her siblings with animals - including horses, raccoons, dogs, and even a black bear named Magua - which Lowell is rumored to have won in a game of poker. Graduating in 1966 from Rushville High, she played the flute, participated in marching band, choir, and enjoyed being a part of the pep squad. Donna then attended Ball State University and worked as a hospital secretary where she met her aspiring-doctor husband, Dick. The two love birds were married on June 19, 1971, then moved to Texas where Dick became a flight doctor for the Air Force. During their military tenure all three children were born in a different state - Wyoming, Mississippi, and California. After the military, the couple raised their children mostly in Illinois and Michigan, but never lost their love of traveling the U.S. Upon achieving empty-nester status, they migrated to North Dakota, back to Illinois, Ohio, then returned home to Indiana. Donna cherished her role as a wife and mother. She was always there for Dick and made sure to have vitamins and breakfast ready for him every morning before he left for work. As arguably the “Best Mom in the World,” she instilled confidence and family values in each of her children, as well as delicious meals every evening, and homemade lunches every single school day. She enjoyed volunteering in her children’s classrooms, attending concerts, sporting events, and school plays. Donna made a point to be a constant foundation of support and encouragement to her husband and three children. She loved her family and was thrilled to be a grandma to her eight beautiful grandchildren – who lovingly referred to her as the “Best Grammy.” Donna was renowned for her constant picture taking, snapping dozens and dozens of pictures at every possibly occasion - to the point where her grandkids would race away as soon as she unveiled a camera. Once the photos were received though everyone appreciated her insistence on taking them. A special gift that her children and grandchildren could always count on was a photo album containing the past year’s memories. While in Michigan, Donna completed her bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University on May 8, 1999, accomplishing an admirable long-time goal. She was a passionate volunteer with the Blue Star Moms to support and encourage military personnel, often sending multiple care packages to her son and his fellow military heroes when he was deployed around the globe. In addition, Donna was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. She loved the stars and stripes and had American flags, as well as red, white, and blue decorations all over her house, on her car, and even on her clothing. Donna was super creative and had several hobbies including making stained glass, beaded bracelets, and tie blankets. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was famous for her pistachio cakes, pumpkin pies, homemade applesauce, blueberry muffins, ranch dip, chicken salad, and watermelon fruit baskets. Donna’s family is comforted knowing that she is in Heaven with Jesus and reunited with her husband Dick and many other loved ones. We have peace knowing we will one day see her again. In addition to her children, grandchildren, and sisters, Donna will be dearly missed by her nieces Julie (Bill) Moster-Pappas, Jenni-Lynn Moster-Gilbert, Taylor Gilbert, Jessica Pursley, Lori (Scott) Brame, Amy (Chris) Oler, Julie Houston, great-nieces and nephews, Elizabeth and Wesley Brame, Michael and Molly Oler; Philip Crump and brother and sister-in-law Philip and Joan Houston. Services will be held Saturday October 15, 2022, 12:00 PM at Moster Mortuary in Rushville, IN. Rev. Richard Christensen will preside. Friends are welcome to visit from 11 AM to 12 PM Saturday at the mortuary prior to the service. Services will also be streamed online at www.mostermortuary.com Burial will be held at Rushville East Hill Cemetery

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Donna Jean Houston

April 7, 1948 - October 4, 2022