EMERSON HOUGH

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home

Emerson Hough dies May 31, 2011. He was born at home in Alderwood Manor on August 18, 1920, to Leonard and Maude (Jacob) Hough. He attended Edmunds schools, graduating from Edmunds High School in 1938. He relished attending class reunions throughout the years.

Emerson met Betty Loree Zwuebel during a tomato harvest in Modesto, California. They were married September 21, 1941. Together they bore six children. They made many enduring friendships throughout the years, enjoying a variety of activities form playing cards to camping to snow-mobiling to just plain visiting.

Emerson served in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater During World War II. Betty and Emerson lived in Tara Hills, California, after the war, where Emerson worked for the University of California as an instrument maker. Meanwhile, they were purchasing farmland in Warden, Washington, where Emerson tackled a new career as a pioneering, novice farmer in 1955. They moved to Pullman, Washington, in 1961, where Emerson worked at WSU for many years as a machinist. Betty and Emerson eventually settled in the Tri-Cities when he went to work for JA Jones. Emerson's favorite occupation was his retirement, which he commenced full-time in the early 1980s.

Emerson enjoyed life enormously, always finding something remarkable, funny or poignant to share with family and friends. Despite his considered opinion that growing old was not for sissies, he did it with great dignity and charm until the last few months robbed him of his self-awareness and personality.

Emerson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Betty; and his oldest son, Stephen. He is survived by his children Patricia (George) Alcorn, Christine (Mike Lee) Hough, Dennis Hough, Sherel (Donny) Webb, Mitchell Hough, 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Emerson's wit, consummate story-telling, problem-solving ingenuity, friendship and sheer presence will be missed; but we who loved him are relieved he is at peace and finally reunited with Betty Loree.

Viewing will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, in Pasco. The graveside service will be on Saturday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Pasco.

The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco is in charge of the arrangements.