Carolyn Houpt

(From Parker Mortuary)

Carolyn Jayne Houpt, our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully from natural causes on October 9, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri. Known for her generosity, faith, and selflessness, Carolyn was born on December 30, 1936, in Anderson, Missouri, and her roots remained deeply planted in southwest Missouri throughout her life.

 
Carolyn was a proud alumnus of the Anderson Missouri High School, where she was an honor roll student for several years. The night of her high school graduation in 1954, she married her hometown sweetheart, Donald Maurice Houpt. They briefly lived in Yakima, Washington, and Redwood, California, before settling in Joplin, Missouri. 

Carolyn was a dedicated homemaker, devoting her time and energy to nurturing her family of seven children, and creating a warm, loving household. Later in life, she enjoyed working as a clerk in the shoe department at the Webb City Wal-Mart, where her kindness and cheerful demeanor made her a favorite among both colleagues and customers. Carolyn was a world traveler, having visited numerous countries in Europe, as well as family and friends across these United States.

 
She was a woman of profound faith, and her membership at the Life Church of Carthage, Missouri, was a source of great comfort and joy. Her faith shaped her into the selfless and generous woman she was, always putting others before herself. Carolyn's generous spirit extended far beyond her family and church community. She had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved, and her home was always open to those in need.

 
Carolyn is survived by her loving family, who will fondly remember her unconditional love and unwavering faith. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Maurice Houpt, and a daughter, Valerie Houpt. 

She leaves behind her sons, Donald Houpt and his wife Reine of San Antonio, Texas, and Kevin Houpt of Joplin, Missouri; her daughters, Sabrina Reidland and her husband Tom of Allen, Texas, Donna Houpt of Joplin, Karen Houpt and Roger Landes of Oronogo, Missouri, and Stephanie Gregory and her husband Ralph of Pierce City, Missouri. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Kaufman of Anderson, Missouri. Carolyn had fourteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

 

A Celebration of Life Service for Carolyn will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Life Church in Carthage, Missouri on November 2, 2023. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.