Carol Ann Houchens

Carol Ann Houchens, age 79, of Versailles, passed away on March 11, 2026, at her granddaughter’s home in Versailles. She was born on November 25, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of the late George W. and Dorothy Z. (Hopkins) Smith. On January 17, 1964, in Versailles, she married Larry Houchens, who preceded her in death on October 11, 2012.

Carol was a longtime member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. She found great joy in travel and camping, eagerly exploring new places and creating lasting memories in the outdoors. A devoted sports fan, she followed the Kansas City Chiefs and many other teams, but took special pride in supporting the local Versailles Tigers and watching her community’s young athletes compete. She was an avid reader with a particular passion for history, especially books on Native American history and culture.

Above all, Carol cherished her family. She found deep happiness in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proudly supporting them and sharing in every milestone of their lives. Her kindness, laughter, and steady encouragement remain treasured by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Sonetta Harris (Todd Rogers) and Sonseeray Henderson (Steve); grandchildren, Thia Navarre (Nicholas), Kristee Waters (Jordan), Derrick Harris (Ashley Shelton), Amber Schlicht (Will), Josie Benefield (Ben), and Nathan Henderson (Amber); and great-grandchildren, Madelynne, Austin, Codie, Evan, Lydia, Wayde, Scarlett, Logan, Colin, and Peyton, along with many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant brother, Lance Wesley Smith, and grandsons Ian Michael Henderson and Christopher Harris.