Amanda Iva Houghtaling

Amanda Iva Lee Houghtaling

July 6, 1930-November 26, 2025

Amanda Iva Lee Houghtaling-known to all Boxi, Iva, Sis, and Mimi- passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born on July 6, 1930, to the late Cora Lee (Johnson) and Nolan Albert Box in Burnet, Texas, Boxie grew up in a lively household with two brothers and two sisters. She spent her life in the places she loved most-Artesia, on the Rocky Arroyo Ranch, and the Lake Roberts Store and the Gila River Ranch-surrounded by family, faith, and the beauty of the Southwest. Mimi shared more than 70 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, JR Houghtaling. "Pappy". Together they built a warm and loving family, raising their three children-Jerry, Suzie, and Judy. Her legacy continues through numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored their Mimi and will carry her memory forward.

A devoted mother and exceptional cook-even if she burned things every now and then-Mimi filled her home with love, laughter, and the comforting smells of meals prepared with heart. She was known for her humor, her unwavering honesty, and her strong, opinionated spirit-traits that made her both unforgettable and deeply cherished. She had a direct and candid way of seeing the world and sharing her thoughts, always from a place of love.

Mimi loved Jesus with all her heart and had a unique, heartfelt way of sharing her faith. Boxie cared deeply for the souls of those around her and wanted nothing more than for her neighbors, friends, and family to know God's love and find their way to heaven. Her faith, honesty, warmth, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nolan Albert and Cora Lee Box; her husband, JR, her brother, Radell Box, her granddaughter, Cissy Lamb Miller, and her great-granddaughter, Kayci Houghtaling.

She is survived by her siblings Tommy Box, Lanell Brockman, and Roxann Nolan; her son Jerry Houghtaling and wife Twyla; her daughters Suzie Lamb and Husband Roger, and Judy Greer and husband Jim; her grandchildren Joby Houghtaling (Pam), Jeff Houghtaling (Jennifer), Julie Turner (Jason), Jill Hooper (Clovis), Joni Greer, Billy Lamb (Kim), and Jon Lamb (Kelly); along with 23 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, December 7, at 2:00 PM. At First Baptist Church, Artesia, New Mexico.