Wanda Bailey Houston, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on October 27, 2012 at the age of 97. Wanda Bailey was born on March 26, 1915 in Escalante, Utah to Charles William Bailey and Mary Alice Schurtz Bailey. Wanda cherished many fond memories of her childhood, including her father trading their horses with neighboring Indian tribes for beautiful blankets. Wanda married James Edwin Houston after he returned from a mission in Holland. Together they were the parents of three children, Claire Houston (Thomas), James Houston and John Charles Houston. Wanda earned a bachelors degree from the University of Utah in home economics. During her work at the University, she studied the effects of naturally occurring vitamins in fruits and vegetables on health. Wanda cultivated her life according to these early findings and proceeded to garden and grow fruits and vegetables. She always gardened, cooked and fed her family according to the principles of whole foods nutrition. Wanda taught Home Economics, with an emphasis on foods and clothing, at Granite High School and Skyline High School for many years. Wanda taught her students and grandchildren that cooking was vitally important to health and that anyone can learn to cook. She used to always say in her best southern Utah accent and a smile, "If'n you can read, you can cook!" Wanda was an active member of The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, often preparing desserts and refreshments for the meetings, with many a coveted recipe. She loved being together with family, and finished many a gathering with the farewell, "A good time was had by all." Farewell dear grandma Wanda, indeed a good time was had by all. Wanda is survived by her son John Charles Houston, son-in-law Timothy Thomas, her 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012, 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South. Family will receive visitors one hour prior to the services. Online condolences at larkinmortuary.com.