Retta Diane Houghton

Diane Houghton died peacefully February 21, 2021 at her residence in Golden, Texas. A Private service will be held at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro, Texas with interment at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Tuttle is where her mother was raised. Diane loved her family and friends. She spent happy and fun days in Oklahoma. Diane was born May 12, 1953 in Monahans, Texas. She was welcomed into the world by her parents Raymond Franklin Riddle and Arlene Tate Riddle as well as brother Raymond Douglas and sister Maurine. Diane’s interesting life began at that moment as brother and sister argued whose turn was it to change her diaper, feed her, hold her, and of course spoil her. She was loved and spoiled by all. Diane was a daddy’s girl. Her mom was there to bath, make her beautiful clothes and whatever else she needed. She loved the sand hills of west Texas. The Riddle family lived an interesting life. They lived in many different towns and states. Diane loved the Lord, family and friends never meeting a stranger. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Her formal education started in 1959. The family moved to Commerce, Texas where she started first grade and graduated in 1971. During those years she developed a love of reading. She was a member of the National Honor Society, library assistant, attending the school’s sporting events and making lifelong friends. Upon graduation from CHS, she entered college at East Texas State University. Three years later she received her BA in Elementary Education. Diane moved to Mineola, Texas to be closer to her grandmother and look for a job. Working many odd jobs, making new friends, and keeping busy. A teaching position became available at Alba Golden School in Special Education which has lasted over 30 years. Diane went back to college to get certified in Special Education and received her Master’s degree at East Texas State University. She loved her students. During this time, she met and married Charles E. Houghton. Several years later they had a beautiful girl Leah Nicole. Leah was involved in many activities. Leah did not hesitate to always say “mother will make cookies, or play costumes, or be a band parent.” The Houghton’s home had a revolving door. Kids would come in and out at Leah’s request. Diane never objected to overnight sleep over parties., setting an extra plate or making 3 dozen cookies after 10:00 p.m. for the next day. In addition to being a career person, mother, and wife she found time to be involved in the community. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, worked at the Haunted House at Halloween, carry food when needed, never saying no while still enjoying her teaching career. Diane was an excellent cook but best known from her Rum Cake and Grodie Dip. She travelled to Disney World with band students and sponsored a group of Tyler Jr. College Band students to Germany and Vienna. She was called Mama Houghton by Leah’s friends and Aunt Di by her cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Elgin Clinton Tate and Christeene Leroy Tate; Thomas Franklin Riddle and Dora Alma Riddle; father Raymond Franklin Riddle; brother Raymond Douglas Riddle; sister Maurine Riddle Ansley; stepfather Lloyd Wilkins and niece Teresa Darlene Handke. Diane is survived by her daughter Leah Nicole Houghton; mother Arlene Tate Riddle; special aunt Neoma McKinney; nephews David Allen Ansley, Bobby Don Riddle and wife Danna; nieces Stephanie Rene’ Ansley and husband Gregg, Melissa Riddle, Rebecca Riddle; sister-in-law Melba Riddle; special cousins Harold Handke, Connie Delno and husband Jeff, Sheri Welch, Terry Tate and wife Kim, Vicki Tate Mathison and husband Spinner, Debbie Stribling and husband David; special friends Amy Manning and husband Randy, Linzy Harland, Tommie Dodd, Jane Sue Crensaw, Janet Backer, Mary Ann Culver, Jane Curry, Bill and Sue Ragsdale, Pat Gaylor and husband Will; great nieces and nephews Scott Ansley and wife Darcey, Michael Ansley and Brice Joslin; numerous cousins and friends. Her funniest and daily entertainment was her beautiful “White Cat" Callie. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be made to honor Diane to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.