Our loving mother, sister, daughter and grandmother, Valene Ellen Houston, passed away February 18, 2022. She was 75.
Valene was born on November 30, 1946 in Price, Utah to Merrill and Lena Rich Jensen. She was married to Reece A. Wilberg, which resulted in three wonderful children. Later married Richard L. Houston, which resulted in one wonderful son; they later divorced and she received her endowments in the Manti Temple. Valene cherished her children and grandchildren; she found joy in following them in their many activities and supported them in any way she could.
Valene graduated from Carbon High School, class of 1965. She taught Head Start for several years, then she went on to get her teaching degree through Utah State University’s outreach program. She taught first and second grade at Wellington Elementary for about 20 years. She was a great teacher; she loved her kids and they loved her. Valene always had side jobs to help support her family, one being Metro gas station, where she made additional friends. Additionally, she worked for TKJ Corporation. Many of the clients through TKJ looked to Valene as their second mom, she loved and cared for them all.
Valene had a big heart and loved everyone. She enjoyed spending her time with her friends and family, especially her grandkids. She was always their biggest fan from the sidelines. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, listening to music and loved to read. She made quilts for all of her kids and almost all of her grandkids.
She is survived by her brother, Dennis (Patsy) Jensen; children, Susan (Royal) Ashby of St. George, Utah, Robin (Steve) Archibald of Price, Utah, Jim (Mindee) Wilberg of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Merrillee Hunt of Price, Utah, and Dewey (Tanya) Houston of Mapleton, Utah; and ex daughter-in-law, Michelle Wilberg Palmer, who stayed in contact.
She had 17 grandchildren: Amy (Jake) Adams, Nick Williams, Jazmyn (David) Flint, Cody and Angel Ashby, Harrison and Jaxan Archibald, Jenni (Frank) Smith, Kortney and Logan Wilberg, Harlee (Dallon) Maxwell and LoraLee Tucker, Garrett and Sydney Hunt, Rya, Ethan and Nicole Houston; and seven great-grandchildren.
Valene is preceded in death by her parents, Lena and Merrill Jensen; and brother, Merrill Nickie Jensen.
Funeral service, Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah, 84501) where the family will receive friends and family at 9:30 a.m. for a visitation. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.