Karen Houghton

Boonville- Karen G. Houghton, 80, passed away on July 22, 2025, with her family by her side at Wynn Hospital. Karen was born to Ernest and Pearl Allen Ward on July 25, 1944, in Watertown, NY. She grew up near Munns Corners in Carthage, NY and attended Carthage high school where she graduated in 1963. Growing up she could be found working at Ernie's Restaurant, also known as "Little Brown Jug" at Munns Corners; a restaurant owned by her parents. After attending college, Karen held a job as a Nurse's Aide at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown, NY. After some time, she went on to work as a Home Health Aide for Lewis County Public Health, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She also spent many years working at the former Intorcia's Donut & Coffee Shop in Carthage. In 1964, Karen married Carl Gettman, and they settled in Carthage. The couple later divorced. On December 19, 1992, she wed Kent Houghton, who passed on September 23, 1997. Karen enjoyed cooking and baking with her grandkids, traveling, and was a proud member of the Elks Lodge in Carthage, NY. Surviving is her son Thomas (Cherie) Gettman; daughter Darlene Wheelock-Graham (Jack); grandchildren William Wheelock, Samantha Wheelock, and Elizabeth Croniser; great granddaughters Mazakeen and Anastasia; sister Deanna Gault; special nieces and nephews Lori Houppert, Rose Marolf, Leon Dunbar, Kathy Boyce, and David Dunbar. She was predeceased by her parents, and sister Dawn Dunbar. A Graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards, NY on Saturday, August 9 at 10am, followed by a celebration of life at the Boonville VFW at 1pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boonville Ambulance, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. Arrangements through Mills Funeral Home, Boonville. For an online message of sympathy go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Karen Houghton, please click here to visit our sympathy store. Memorial Donation