Mary Ellen Houghtalen

Mary Ellen Houghtalen, age 85, longtime resident of the Interlaken area, died at Caygua Medical Center on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following a brief hospitalization.

Mary Ellen was born in Romulus on December 3, 1940, a daughter of the late Edwin C. and Abbie (nee Barton) McComb. As part of a very large family, Mary Ellen was the classic Mom and Grandmother; meals, gatherings, holidays, birthdays were always a cause for celebration. She worked for decades as a house cleaner for many families in the Ovid and Interlaken communities and took great pride in her work. Her best friend was and is Jesus Christ and she followed his example by showing love and kindness to everyone. She was well loved by all who knew her.

Mary Ellen is survived by her loving children; Clifford Campbell of Arizona, Rickey (Theresa) Campbell of Alabama, Sandra Stoel of South Carolina, Sharon (Craig) Abrams of Ovid and Abbie (John) Loan of Beaver Dams; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her friend and companion, Skippy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, an infant daughter, Naomi and 3 grandchildren; her siblings; Gerald, Russell, Randy and Richard McComb, Betty Johnson and Rebecca Sundquist-Lux.

A Celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will be held at Seneca Bible Baptist Church , 1859 Auburn Road in Seneca Falls at 3:00pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026 The church will host a reception for family and friends, following the service. Please remember her fondly and consider a donation Susan G. Komen projects in her memory. The family genuinely appreciates the compassionate care she received at Cayuga Medical Center during her final hospitalization.