Catherine Ann Houchins

Catherine Ann Houchins, 87, of Frankford, Missouri, passed away on May 6, 2025, in Hannibal. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Frankford, Missouri. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. also at the First Christian Church. Reverend M. Faye Vaughn and Ethan Colbert will officiate. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Frankford. The family is being served by Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory in Bowling Green, Missouri. Catherine Ann was born at home on January 23, 1938, in Frankford, Missouri, to Sam Brown and Mary Catherine Updyke. She is survived by her siblings: Cuff (Margie), Tom (Mary Catherine), Judy, and Joe (Lorraine). She was a graduate of Frankford High School, where she was the salutatorian of the 1956 class—which did have more than two people. Almost immediately after graduation, she swapped her cap and gown for a wedding dress and joined her life with Floyd Houchins on June 17, 1956. Floyd was soon drafted into the Army, and the couple spent the first three years of their married life in Tacoma, Washington, living in a trailer so close to the road you had to look both ways before opening the door. They returned to Frankford in 1959 to welcome the birth of Sam, followed shortly thereafter by Suszanne and Steve. Their marital home was described as a “shack” with no running water or indoor plumbing, but they transformed it into the home we all know and love today. Catherine Ann and Floyd shared their lives until Floyd’s death in January 2016—at which point she had to take over completing the crossword puzzles and Sudoku, in ink. In addition to being an avid Jeopardy! watcher, Catherine always found time to write weekly letters to her grandchildren. These letters, which detailed her daily life, time spent gardening, canning, and the happenings in Frankford, are now prized possessions of her grandchildren. Catherine Ann worked at her siblings’ general stores while keeping a lively household running, designing costumes, and occasionally moonlighting as the magician’s mysterious assistant, Shagondala, at Frankford community events. Once the kids left home and the grandkids stopped riding ATVs over the grass, her garden truly blossomed. She also became a prolific quilter. Irises from her garden now bloom in multiple states, and her children and grandchildren sleep under her quilts every night. She was a longtime, active member of the Frankford First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where was recognized as a Golden Member for having been a member for more than 50 years. At the church, she supported the AWANA program and was a member of the Christian Crusaders group. She was also devoted to service, having donated untold gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and for years organized blood drives in Frankford. When asked to list her top three life accomplishments, Catherine Ann said: 1. Gave birth to three remarkable kids; 2. Good grades in school; 3. 2020 knee replacement. She is survived by two children: Steve (Kathy) Houchins of Frankford and Suszanne Hollinrake of Albia, Iowa; and by her daughter-in-law, Nickie Houchins. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren: Catherine (Jared) Hollinrake of Des Moines, Iowa; Clayton (Sarah) Caldwell of Killeen, Texas; Caylene (Cory) Swearngin of Des Moines, Iowa; Mallory (Tyler) Behlmann of Bowling Green, Missouri; Nicholas Hollinrake of Albia, Iowa; and Renee (Jordan) Yarrington of Hannibal, Missouri. She is also lovingly remembered by eight great-grandchildren: James Mitterling, Caden Caldwell, Avery Yarrington, Zella Swearngin, Max Yarrington, Jessica Caldwell, Ranger Swearngin, and Benjamin Behlmann. She will be missed by Sally Jane, her loyal dog, and a rotating cast of very fat outdoor cats. She is also remembered by Rhonda, Scott, and Jolynn. Catherine Ann was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Dick and Harry; husband, Floyd; son, Sam (Nickie); sister-in-law, Ella; son-in-law, Ed; and numerous beloved basset hounds. Her family finds comfort in the countless memories she created, stitched, and planted into their lives. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Frankford’s Building Fund in support of the Stained-Glass Window Restoration effort. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, and honorary pallbearers will include her great-grandchildren, members of the Christian Crusaders, and Rhonda and Scott.

Catherine Ann Houchins

January 23, 1938 - May 6, 2025