Cleda M. House

Cleda M. House, age 95 of Hamilton, OH passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Friday December 19, 2025. Born in Barbourville, KY on September 23, 1930, she was the eldest daughter of George and Eva (Cupp) Jackson.

She married James House on Mar. 9, 1947. They met while she was working at a dime store alongside his sister Bea who encouraged the match. They enjoyed 47 years devoted to each other. She was a longtime respected member of Millville Avenue Church of God. She collected many kinds of antiques with glass paperweights being a favorite. She loved decorating with Longaberger baskets, antique dishes and glassware, and plants. She enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales and could always come home with a great bargain. She was an avid reader and loved her books. She was a country music fan especially of George Strait.

Her sense of humor and wit were well known. She told funny stories and anecdotes often. She was proud of her red hair and all the idiosyncrasies that were thought to accompany being a redhead. She considered others (particularly children) special if they had red hair. She was generous, big-hearted, and loving. Cleda-isms might include: “Well, foot! Shoot fire and hang the preacher! You’re not the boss of me! Love you to the moon and back!”

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by husband James House, two sisters: Billie Jean Probst and Peggy Leavell, granddaughter Jessica Watson, son-in-law Mark Watson, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and some dear friends.

Survivors include daughter Gail Watson of Harrodsburg, IN; Jamie (Allan) Gerhart of Hamilton, OH; very loved grandchildren Luke (Chantay) Watson of Bloomington, IN; Adrianne (Joe) Fowler of West Alexandria, OH; Mac (Mandelyn) Gerhart of Hamilton, OH; precious great-grandchildren Seth (Rylie) Mosier of Hampshire, IL; Colton Watson and Cason Watson both of Bloomington, IN; Annie Fowler of West Alexandria, OH; Tiallie Fowler of Marion, IN; Zane Fowler of Tipp City, OH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be at Brown, Dawson, and Flick Funeral Home at Millville Ave. Monday, Dec. 29 from 12:00-2:00PM. Service is to follow at 2:00PM. Burial will be Tuesday Dec. 30 at Clover Hill Cemetery in Harrodsburg, IN at 1:00PM.

Reverends Ralph and Tonya Shupe will officiate. Pallbearers are Luke, Colton, and Cason Watson, Allan and Mac Gerhart, and Joe Fowler.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Hamilton.