Martha Zoe (Paull) Houghton

Martha Zoe Paull Houghton

July 9, 1946 – December 10, 2024

Martha Zoe Paull  Houghton, 78, of North Bend, passed peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on December 10, 2024 at her home in North Bend, Oregon. She was born on July 9, 1946 in Coos Bay to Royce and Laura Paull.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the St. Monica Church parish hall, 357 S. Sixth Street in Coos Bay. Martha’s favorite color was turquoise, so all are encouraged to wear this color to her celebration.

Martha’s youth was primarily spent in Reedsport, Oregon, where the tight knit community included many aunts, uncles and cousins. Martha’s vast love of music ( all genres ) and people started at a young age, where she enjoyed family gatherings that were filled with love, laughter and music. Music would become a thread that would weave its  way through her life connecting her with people who became family. She always wanted to become a mother and raising her four children was the highlight of her life. Life brought them to Lakeside, Oregon, where they became involved in church and the historic Liberty Theater in North Bend. Martha loved people and “adopted” them wherever she went. While she was shy by nature, these activities led her to places she never thought she would venture, but answering her prayers for her children to know and appreciate people from all walks of life. The family’s involvement began with the local favorite production of Little Ole Opry On The Bay, which led to years of various productions and cherished memories for them. After working behind the scenes in multiple roles ( seamstress, producer, assistant director, prop mistress, to name a few ) and receiving awards for her efforts, she took on a bigger role as a director of Little Ole Opry for five seasons. The cast, crew and audience became extended family whom she cherished and remained close with over the years.

Above all, Martha loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and shared His love wherever she went. In her last days, she continued to share her love for people and praising the Lord for all of those who blessed her life. Whether you knew her as Momz, Martha, Mama Houghton, or Gramz ( for her grandchildren ), please know she loved you with her whole heart. She encouraged us to remember: “Jesus, Joy, Love and Laughter, Always!”

Martha is survived by her four children, Leah Houghton of North Bend, Gary Houghton of Eugene ( wife Alicen, daughter McKenzie and son Joshua ), Lauri Houghton-Todd of Eugene ( son and daughter-in-law, Clayton and Taylor Messerle and Martha’s first great-grandson, Riley, all of Salem, daughter and son-in-law Cora Messerle-Wang and Weilun “Weston” Wang of Shanghai, China ), and Mary Houghton of North Bend; her sister, Melinda Deeter and niece, Candice Epperson ( husband, Ray and son, Alex ) of Lebanon, Oregon, and many cousins, friends and extended family whom she adored.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Garold Royce Paull and Laura Ruth Paull; and granddaughter, Emily Zoe Houghton.

In lieu of flowers, Martha asked that you donate to one of her favorite charities: South Coast Hospice or the local South Coast Food Share. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbooks at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theoworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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