This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Black, Henkel, Dean, Houghton Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4332/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 21 May 2010 Glady Mary Dean Houghton Black Our feisty little Mom and Grandma left this world, Monday, May 17, 2010 at the age of 98. Gladys was born in Coos Bay, Oregon on April 06, 1912 To William and Marie Henkel Dean and was the eldest of five sisters. She married Harold "Red" Houghton (the love of her life) in 1933. Gladys lived the life of a logger's wife, moving from camp to camp, living in tents, but always had her peddle operated sewing machine with her to make all the family's clothing. On D- Day, June 06, 1944, Gladys and "Red" welcomed their son, Charles Dean Houghton "Charlie" into the family. In 1949, they adopted 7 year old Barbara to make their family complete. The Houghton family traveled the western U.S, from French Gulch, California to Myrtle Creek and Winston, Oregon. They eventually settled in Juneau, Alaska. A logging accident in 1953 claimed the life of Glady's beloved "Red". Needing to be closed to family and friends, Gladys, with no driver license and little driving experience, loaded up the family's flat fender jeep, heading for Oregon and was the last vehicle on the Alcan highway before it closed for winter. Gladys would steer and Charlie would shift on command. This adventure took them to Oakland, California and on to Albuquerque, New Mexico. By 1958, Gladys and the kids were in Las Cruces, where she worked at White Sands Proving Ground in the Motor Pool. She met and married Robert "Bob" Black in 1960. Gladys and Bob continue the adventures with travels to Mexico, camping excursions and their famous fishing trips. Gladys was a phenomenal artist and seamstress. Her crafts ranged from Ceramics, oil paintings, wood working to quilting. She loved to teach her crafts to anyone willing to learn. Gladys was as avid reader from an early age. Her theory was that if you could read a story, you could go anywhere without ever leaving your home. She loved animals and had quite a menagerie of pets from dogs, cats, and birds of all sorts, fish and probably a few unknowns. Gladys is survived by her son Charlie Houghton and wife Helen of Las Cruces; Daugther Barbara Hailer of Roswell, NM.; step son, Tommy Black of Dona Ana, NM.; Sister Marie Anderson of Petaluma, CA, Betty Hoover and husband Carl of Santa Rosa, CA; Grandchildren Gayle Houghton Castle and husband Richard, Jeanette Dunaway, Barbara Maxey and husband Curtis of Las Cruces; Judy MacDougal, Linda Drusendahl of Roswell, NM; Billy Hailer and wife Laura of Portales, NM; Jimmy Black and wife Rosita of Dona Ana, NM, Robert Black Jr., Brian Black of Las Cruces, NM and Johnny Black of Albuquerque, NM. Great grand-children Brittany, Ashley, Hillaree, Brennon, Crystal, Cory, Sky and Seth. Great-great grandchildren Ceriah, Rachel, Zack, Jonathon, and Damien. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Red Houghton and Bob Black; Step son Bobby black; sisters Zuefild and June Ingman of Coos Bay, Oregon; Brother in law Valdy Ingman and Grandson Shane! Lyle. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.