Nancy Houten

Nancy Marie Forbes Van Houten, 85, of Provo, passed away on May 26, 2015, at her home. She was born on July 4, 1929 to Joseph David Forbes and Pearl Leonia Elsmore in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mom grew up in Las Vegas, where she attended Las Vegas High School. She worked at the Union Pacific Railroad as a telephone operator. She met Lee M. Van Houten who was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, they were married on June 30, 1951, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Utah LDS Temple on March 12, 1954. Mom and Dad began their married life in Michigan where they lived until 1954. Mom returned to Las Vegas to live with her parents while Dad was stationed in Tripoli, Libya for 18 months. While Dad was gone, Mother had her first daughter, Leone. In 1956, they moved to San Antonio, Texas where Robin and Mark were born. In 1962, they moved to Wahiawa, Hawaii, then in 1965, they moved to San Angelo, Texas. In 1966, they moved to Provo, Utah where they have resided for 49 years. Mom was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served as Primary President, Relief Society President, Primary Chorister, Ward Choir Member, Young Women's Advisor, Teacher, Provo Temple Worker, and Visiting Teacher. Mom and Dad served in the Riverside California Mission as family history consultants, 1992-93. Mom worked for BYU Dining Services where she retired in 1991 after 22 years of service. She was the manager of Amanda Knight Hall LTM, St Francis LTM, Cougareat and Cannon Dining. She helped open the MTC Dining facilities in 1976 where she was an assistant manager for 7 years. She received the Wells and Myrle Cloward Exemplary Employee of the Year in 1985. Mom's greatest joy was her family, she was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband; her children Leone Douma (Hans) Orem, Utah, Robin Stokes (Randy) and Mark Van Houten (Kathy) Provo, Utah. She has 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her 4 brothers, Elsmore, Stanley, Ralph, and David. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 1:00pm at the Grandview 5th Ward Chapel, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah. Family and friends may call prior to services from 10:00am - 12:45pm. Interment will be in the American Fork City Cemetery. The family would like to thank Tender Care Hospice for the loving care that they provided mom for the past 3½ months.

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