Delia Ann (Cross) Houghton

Delia Ann (Cross) Houghton, born in Paw Paw, MI. on February 29, 1944, went to heaven on Saturday, September 2, 2023.  She was born to Lyle & Elva (Richer) Cross and married Rick Houghton on Halloween 1970.  Delia passed away in Paw Paw, Michigan at the age of 79 with her family by her side.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Rick, son and wife Steven and Traci Houghton of Ankeny, IA and grandchildren Sierra, Bryce and Lauren, her twin daughter’s Amy Houghton & Becky (Houghton) Harrison and her husband Fred of Paw Paw, MI and grandchildren Kaullen, Tre, Brianna, and the family pet, Chico and great granddaughter Alivia Mae, and son Mark and Monica Houghton of Moscow, ID and grandchildren Jonah, Remi and Olivia. She is preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Elva Cross, her brother Eugene Cross and her in-laws Ralph and Zulema Houghton and her grand dog, Summit. 

Delia was a matriarch of the community, she taught at the Learning Tree of the Paw Paw Public Schools for over 30 years.  Her love and compassion of teaching and caring is carried forward by all of the lives she touched.  She graduated from Paw Paw Public Schools and completed her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University.

Her passion for community involvement stems from her strong sense of caring and compassion, she was actively involved in the Junior Chambers of Commerce and various other groups in the area.  She was always driven to improve everything she touched.  She always had room in her heart for everyone she met allowing everyone to be treated the same.

Her competitive spirit led to her love of all sports including a special place in her heart for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.  She loved watching all her kids play sports.  Her enthusiasm for football, basketball, golf and even NASCAR on Sundays with her husband Rick.  Cards always held a special place in heart from the time she was little with her mom to playing with couples in her card group. Bridge was her vice, her love of the game and her girlfriends of so many years provided that special quality time with her “bridge girls”.

Her sense of travel and adventure allowed her to see the world including Michigan, from trips out West, or North to the Canadian Rockies, South to the Smokey Mountains and even the Caribbean.  Her favorite was just jumping in the convertible with her best friend and husband to tour their home state.

Delia, my wife, our mom, our grandmother, and great grandmother you will be truly missed but never forgotten.  You will live on in our hearts, our memories and in spirit.  You will be missed by all those who lives you touched. The family wants to thank all of you in this time of healing and for all your ongoing support.  

Family and friends are invited to gather at a celebration of life open house, Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a family eulogy will be shared at 6:00 p.m. Cremation will follow. Delia will be placed to rest at Saint Mary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, 6955 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delia Ann (Cross) Houghton, please visit our floral store.