Vivian R. (Uhl) Van Houten, 95

Vivian was born October 25, 1928, in a log cabin in Creston, OH to Curtis Steele & Donna Rich Steele.  She passed July 6, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones. She graduated from Creston High School in 1946.

Vivian married Wayne E. Uhl on September 12, 1946, in Caruthersville, MO. They built their home and raised their family in Creston, OH, where Wayne started his business as a carpenter.  Son Gary was born in 1950 and daughter Sherry was born in 1954.  They were very active in the Creston United Methodist Church, where Vivian taught Sunday school & served as chair/co-chair for the church Christmas Bazaar. She also was a Cub Scout den mother. She had a busy, but fulfilling life. Once their children were grown, Vivian began working with Wayne, finishing all the woodwork to perfection. In 1977 they moved to Flagstaff, AZ to be near their daughter. They attended sports, Cub & Boy Scouts, & school activities for their grandsons.  She loved to read (especially the Bible), travel, sing, dance, garden, & play Yahtzee. She was a great cook & prepared many fine meals for family & friends in their home. They were active in Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, served on different committees & did church maintenance. Vivian participated in Bible study groups for many years & dearly loved her Bible study ladies. Vivian & Wayne continued to laugh & love for almost 55 years, until Wayne's passing in 2001.

In 2006, Vivian met John Van Houten through the church's grief share program.  They were drawn to each other & soon came to love one another. They were married on March 5, 2006. She learned to love golf & attended many Rotary functions with John. They had over 9 happy years together until John's passing in 2015.

Vivian was preceded in death by husbands Wayne Uhl & John Van Houten, son Gary Uhl, stepson John Van Houten II.  She is survived by her daughter Sherry Oberhardt (Bob), brother Curtis Steele (Beth), sister Elaine N. Dian, brother Nelson Nichols (Linda), 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews, & cousins. She is also survived by stepsons Jerry Van Houten (Dee Anne) & Jim Van Houten (JeanneKay), & step-daughter-in-law Donna Van Houten, an additional 6 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on July 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, 2545 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sunshine Rescue Mission & Hope Cottage, 124 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001.