Laura Van Houten

Laura Jane (Hammett) Van Houten was taken to her Heavenly home, July 4, 2024, at the age of ninety six.

She was born, March 1, 1928 in Moberly, Missouri to Aubrey Rutherford and Minnie Edith (Kellogg) Hammett.  She was preceded in birth by her twin sister, Audrey Ann.  On many occasions, Laura remarked that while growing up she never spent a lonely day because she and her twin sister were such close companions.  The twins were also blessed with two younger sisters, Theresa Maybelle (Rucker-Phillips) and Edith Sue (Nilges).

Laura attended Moberly Public schools and graduated from Moberly High School in 1945.  After that,  she and her twin sister graduated from Christian College (now Columbia College) in Columbia, Missouri in 1947.

Laura Jane and her sisters were raised in the Central Christian Church in Moberly, where she gave her heart to the Lord, October 6, 1944.  Later, it was the church pastor of Central , Reverend C.W. Cornn, who introduced Laura to a new young man in the church Donald Ralph Van Houten,  and the two began a special relationship that turned into the love of a lifetime.  She and Donald were married by Rev. Cornn, February 8, 1948 and remained united in marriage for 55 years until Donald’s death in 2003.

After marriage, she worked as a bookkeeper for Triangle Auto Supply until the birth of their first child, Aubrey Ralph, in 1949.  Their family continued to grow with the addition of two more sons, James Hammett in 1952 and Donald Laurance in 1955, and a daughter, Vivian Angela in 1960.  Laura devoted her life to her family raising them to know and love God.

Along with her membership in Central Christian Church where she served as a Deacon and Elder, she was also an active member of the Mary Rae Missionary Group at Central and a faithful Sunday School attendee.  Laura had been a member, and past Regent of the Tabitha Walton Chapter of the DAR and was a member of the  Margaret Miller Chapter of the DAR.  While her children were still at home she participated in the PTA and taught Bible School classes at Central.

She and Donald were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, whose companionship they frequently enjoyed.  An activity that she enjoyed over the years was attending auctions in search of antique treasures – an enthusiasm that she has passed on to many in her family.  It has often been said that Laura didn’t know a stranger.  She was an outgoing and caring soul who showed compassion to those in need.  Her beautiful, smiling face and spunky personality will be missed by all who knew her.

Laura is survived by her children, Aubrey (Joyce) Van Houten of Moberly, Missouri, James (Patricia) Van Houten of Maricopa, Arizona, Larry (Norma) Van Houten of O’ Fallon, Missouri and Vivian (Gary) Becker of Glasgow, Missouri; her grandchildren Laura Ann (Doug) Heimann of Moberly, Missouri, Chris Van Houten of Moberly, Missouri, Sarah (Lee) Gatlin of Blaine, Minnesota, Jonathan (Joy) Van Houten of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alyson (Aaron) Olson of  Gilbert, Arizona, Jennifer (Justin) Jackson of Valley Center, Kansas, Valerie (Dan) Rath of St. Charles, Missouri, Brian (Amy) Becker of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Trisha (Steve) Farrow of Mesa, Arizona;  14 Great Grandchildren.  Also surviving are her two sisters, Ann March of Lakewood, Colorado,  and Sue Nilges of O’ Fallon, Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, sister Theresa Rucker and parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Central Christian Church. or Compass Hospice.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation that was held at the Cater Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Laura’s life were held in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel.  Committal prayer and burial took place at the Oakland Cemetery.