Ruth Walls Houston

Ruth Houston passed away on October 18, 2025 at her home in Houston, Texas. She was born in Carson County in the Texas Panhandle to Norine Walls (nee Baker) and Roy G. Walls. Ruth’s maternal grandfather was Richard Daniel Baker, one of the early pioneers of the Panhandle at the turn of the century. As a child of the Depression and teenager in WW II, Ruth graduated from Amarillo High School in 1944. She understood the value of hard work and responsibility, always striving to succeed in everything she did. Ruth married Paul Houston in 1948. They were blessed with two girls whom they loved dearly. Ruth was a devoted mother and housewife, all the while working on her undergraduate degree.

Among Ruth’s many accomplishments were completing her Masters in Economics at West Texas State University and then teaching at Amarillo High School for twelve years. She also formed an Investment Club and became the first woman deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Later, she and Paul joined St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where they formed many friendships. Ruth was a devoted Christian attending church regularly in Amarillo and later in Houston at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Houston, her parents and all her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Monte Houston of Houston and Norma Carroll and her husband, Kent Carroll of Amarillo. She is also survived by Casey Halford, her granddaughter and her husband, Chris Halford of Amarillo. Ruth is also survived by her four great grandchildren, Nate Pena and his wife, Savana of Lubbock, Trevor Pena and his wife, Amber of Amarillo, Clayton Halford currently living in Midland and Sophia Halford of Amarillo. Ruth would have been a great-great grandmother to Nate and Savana’s child soon to be born.

The Houston family would like to thank Ruth’s devoted caregivers, Salome, Gerri and Pam who worked tirelessly to make her comfortable in her final days. Ruth was buried in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo alongside her husband. The family will gather for a private Celebration at a later date.