Nellie M. (Ned) Houck was born Jan. 7, 1915, in Richland County, Ill., the daughter of William David and Nancy Jane (Doane) Ratcliffe. She died Jan. 19, 2004, at Colonial Springs Health Care Center in Buffalo, following a short illness. Services at the Montgomery-Viets Funeral Chapel with cremation to follow.

She was united in marriage with Frank W. Houck in September 1939. She attended grade and high school in Olney, Ill., and the University of Illinois from which she received her degree in 1937. She was active in community and church activities for many years. In addition to assisting her daughter as a member of the Girl Scouts, she continued in that organization for over 30 years in an active leadership role.

In 1979, the Downers Grove (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce chose her to receive the Great Living Citizen award. The Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce awarded her the Volunteer of the Year award in 1987. She was a member of the Buffalo Culture Club, serving as president for several terms, and was active in The Friends of the Dallas County Library for a number of years assisting in fund-raising projects while active in that organization.

She was a member of the local United Methodist churches and was active in several activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and three sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Frank; two children: John D. Houck, Stillwater, Okla., and Nan H. Rothfuss, Newport News, Va.; two grandchildren: Ann Houck, Stillwater, Okla., and Donna Wensell, Tallahassee, Fla.

Buffalo Reflex (MO) - Tuesday, January 20, 2004