Betty Jean Strong House

	Betty Jean Strong House, beloved wife of Wiley Jackson House, died on September 9, 2002 in La Jolla, California.  Betty was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. (Emma) Strong Sr., of DuQuoin, and the granddaughter of Edward A. Wells and Suda Chiles Wells of Murphysboro. 
	She grew up in DuQuoin, having graduated from DuQuoin Township High School, where she met her husband of 55 years, 'Jack' House.
	 She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech in 1946.  She was as member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and a lifelong member of the American Association of University Women.
	 During her college years and following, she was a radio news writer for WJPF Radio Station in Herrin.  After her marriage in 1947, she taught grade school in Okawville.
	 As her family grew and employment opportunities arose, she and Jack moved to Memphis, Tenn. then Dallas, Tex. and settled in Southern California.  For the past 13 years, she and Jack have been residing in Bermuda Dunes, a small community outside of Palm Desert, Calif.
	Throughout her life, she devoted inestimable energy and love to family and friends.
	 Betty was an inspiration to her husband, brother, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends because of her thoughtfulness, caring, creativity and extraordinary enthusiasm for life.
	In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. (Joe Ann) Strong Jr., of DuQuoin; her three children, Suda Kay House Lazzara, Judge Mary Thornton House and Christy Carol House Marentay; sons-in-law, Thomas Lazzara, James Thornton and John Marentay; grandchildren, Emma Victoria Lazzara, Calamity Jaye Marentay, Sarah Elizabeth Thornton and Kyle Richard Thornton; nieces and nephews, Janet McCurdy, Harry E. Strong III, Cindy Heape, Patricia Aue, Joseph Strong, Ann Paxton and Susie Johnson.
	 A celebration of her life was held on October 13, 2002 at Francine's Bead and Breakfast in DuQuoin from 2  - 5 p.m.
	In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Betty House Fund, Scripps Foundation for Medicine and Research, P.O. Box 2669, La Jolla, California  92038-2669.
