Rebecca Vann Ralston

87, of Houston, passed away September 4, 2013.

A proud fifth generation Texan, Rebecca was a descendant of a pioneering family. Her ancestors' family brand, "Fierro Viejo" was one of the first brands registered in Texas. Rebecca was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, on November 20, 1925. She spent most of her youth in Eagle Pass, and then the family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Rebecca graduated from Corpus Christi High School, and attended Del Mar College. Also stationed in Corpus Christi, was the handsome young Navy test Pilot who would become her husband, Commander John Ralston, Jr. Coincidentally, John shared the same birthday as Rebecca; same day, same year. "Becky" and John both had very strong personalities, and bickered constantly, but each considered the other the love of their life. They were married fifty-three years, until John's death.

Being the wife of a career military officer meant a lot of moving. Rebecca, John, and their young daughters lived and travelled in many countries and all over the United States. Rebecca had a gift for languages and was multi-lingual. That, combined with her extroverted personality, enabled her family to make friends all over the world, and experience so much more of the local customs and cultures of the countries they were in.

Upon retirement from the Navy, John's desire was to return to his hometown, Houston; where the Ralston family settled in Nassau Bay, living there for over forty years. A talented interior decorator, Rebecca established a successful design business in the area. She was always very involved with her family, community and church. She never met a "stranger". She could easily talk to anyone-and did, making many, many friends over the years. She made a difference in many people's lives.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Commander John Ralston, Jr ; her parents, Carlotta and Grien Vann, brother Raul Vann, and sister Elia Colmenero.

She is survived by her daughters Katherine "Katie" Ralston, Patricia "Patty" and husband C. Michael Davis; Marta and husband Sam Clegg; grandchildren Philip R. Clegg, Ethan R. Davis, Kerri Truelock M.D., Michael Ryan Davis, Rebecca C. Pearce and Marta R. Clegg. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, on her family's side, as well as John's. Also acknowledged are those that, although were not actual relatives, loved her like she was "family".

A Viewing and Rosary will be held 6-8 PM, Friday, September 13, 2013 at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Ct. Blvd, Webster Texas. The Funeral Mass will begin at 1 PM, Saturday, September 14, 2013, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to:

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, LIFE TEEN Ministries, 18223 Point Lookout Dr, Nassau Bay, TX 77058

The education account of Ethan R Davis, Contact: Allison Spinelli at Raymond James (713) 787-2138

Magnificat House, PO Box 25415, Houston, TX 77265, or www.magnificathouse.org