Hilda Hagler Houston

OZARK…Mrs. Hilda Hagler Houston, a resident of Ozark, died Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 73.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Houston, the daughter of the late Jim Hagler and Odell Long Hagler, was a proud native of Ozark. She grew up with strong family roots and a deep love for her hometown, and she carried that sense of community with her throughout her life. She graduated from Carroll High School in 1970, a milestone she always looked back on with fondness.

She dedicated forty‑four years of her life to Dale Medical Center, retiring as the Human Resources Supervisor. Her coworkers often said she was the kind of person who made the workplace feel like family. She had a gift for remembering people’s stories, celebrating their milestones, and bringing a little extra joy to special events at the hospital. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a retirement party, or just an ordinary day, she had a way of making others feel appreciated and seen.

Outside of work, she loved spending time at the lake. The peaceful water, the sunshine, and the company of friends and family were some of her happiest moments. But nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandson. They were the light of her life. Whether she was cheering them on at a ball game, spending weekends together, or simply listening to them talk about their day, she treasured every minute. Being “Granny” was her favorite role, and she poured her whole heart into it.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Douglas Hagler and Curt Hagler, whose memories remained close to her heart.

Mrs. Houston will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the way she made people feel loved. She lived a life full of devotion — to her family, her work family, and her community — and her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.

Surviving relatives include her husband of fifty-five years, Charlie Houston, Ozark; three children, Chuck Houston (Allison), Midland City, Jason Houston (Cheri), Ozark, and Tracy Berry (Anthony), Ozark; six grandchildren, Emma Houston, Ella Houston, Elliot Houston, Grant Houston, Trent Houston, and Andrew Houston (Cera); great-grandson, Riften Houston; her sister, Barbara Rogers and her daughter, Michelle Smith; brother, Wayne Hagler (Sheila), Ozark; nephew, Allen Hagler.