Lifetime area resident Wanda Jean Huston Unrue, 80, of Huston Place, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 11:43 p.m. at the East Liverpool City Hospital following a lengthy illness.

A daughter of the late Raymond L. and Florence E. Cain Huston, Wanda was born in East Liverpool on July 23, 1930. She was the last remaining member of the Huston family of Calcutta, and had lived in Huston Road neighborhood for over 55 years, where she and her husband, Claire, raised their family and enjoyed sharing their home with legions of young people and their friends.

She was a 1948 graduate of East Liverpool High School, and in her later years enjoyed membership in the ELHS Alumni Association and its Olde Guard. A lifelong member of the Calcutta United Presbyterian Church, she began playing the organ and piano for services when she was just a teenager, and continued to play throughout her life, playing as recently as this year, in spite of her illness.

The foundation of her life was her church and her faith. For many years, she taught Bible school, Sunday school and even kindergarten classes at the church before they were taught in the public schools, as well as hosting weekly after school Bible clubs in her home. She had been a church trustee at one time, and worked tirelessly with various organizations such as Presbyterian Women, Rescue Mission Auxiliary and the Community Prayer Breakfast committee. Wanda and Claire were longtime supporters of Teen World Ministries and its missions, and for many years they hosted a teen Bible club in their home.

Wanda will be remembered by the many students to whom she patiently and lovingly taught to play the piano, having had over 300 students over the years. She also enjoyed working outside in the garden, growing flowers or tending to the yard. A wonderful cook, she enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends.

Surviving her at home is her loyal and devoted husband, M. Claire Unrue, whom she married on her birthday in 1952. It would be said by all who knew them that it was rare to see one without the other.

Also surviving are three sons, Rev. Mark Unrue and his wife, Cindy, of Uhrichsville, Ohio, Stan Unrue of Melbourne, Florida and Rick Unrue and his wife, Debbie, of Titusville, Florida.

There are eight grandchildren: Jeanna and Katlin Unrue; Denise, Tim and Zak Unrue; Amy Unrue-Botkin, Stan Unrue Blackwell, and Ashley Unrue. There are also four great-grandchildren.

In addition, a sister, Marian Houser of Woodbridge, Virginia, survives.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home Sunday afternoon and evening where the family will be present from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Calcutta United Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. Monday.

Burial will take place at the Calcutta United Presbyterian Cemetery.

Following the service, family and friends will gather at the church for fellowship.

Contributions in Wanda’s memory may be sent to Calcutta United Presbyterian Church, 16123 St. Clair Avenue, East Liverpool, or Teen World Ministries, P.O. Box 2036, East Liverpool, OH 43920.

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