Mary Ellen Houk, 72, of Pennsylvania Furnace, died Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center in State College, PA.
She was born Feb. 5, 1933, in State College, a daughter of the late Bruce and Edna Cole Horner.
On April 30, 1963 she married Lloyd S. Houk, who preceded her in death on April 7, 1996.
Mary Ellen graduated from State College High School in 1950.
She worked as a secretary in the office of attorney Robert Kistler in State College. She later worked for her brother Tom Horner, in the furniture store, known as the Colonel Johnston House in Boalsburg. She later worked as a switchboard operator at Centre Community Hospital, now Mt. Nittany Medical Center, retiring after 19 years of service.
She was a member of the former St. Johns E. U. B. Church in State College. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and word searches, cooking, playing cards and bingo.
She is survived by three daughters, Judy E. H. Barksdale of Throop, PA, Sue Ann Billman of Carlisle, and Heather Diane Eckley of State College, PA; one son, Bruce C. Houk of State College; two sisters, Barbara Shaughnessy of Windsor, Conn and Nancy Bennett of Port Matilda; one brother Tom Horner of Centre Hall, and seven grandchildren.
Friends will be received at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service P. C. (formerly Kyper Funeral Home) 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA, from 6 - 8 p. m. Friday, July 1, 2005. The funeral will be private at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Thomas Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Centre Home Care and Hospice, 2437 E. College Ave. State College, PA 16801 or to Mt. Nittany Medical Center Foundation, 1800 E. Park Ave. State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.