Betty Jean Horne

Betty Jean Horne was born on Sunday, June 26, 1927, in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. She was the daughter of LeRoy Walter and Bessie Marie (Jones) Pearce. A lifelong resident, Betty made her home in Ottawa until her death on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at the age of eighty-three years. Betty died peacefully at her residence surrounded by her family. Betty attended Hawthorne Elementary School and Ottawa High School, through the 11th grade, with the class of 1945. She worked at Eastside Grocery, ten years; Pence’s Grocery, six years; and King Radio, twelve years; all of Ottawa. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an unselfish, compassionate lady who loved caring for her family and spending time with her grandchildren. They brought so much joy to her life. She enjoyed cooking and baking and visiting with her friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles. On Saturday, January 20, 1945, Betty was united in marriage with Ralph I. Horne in Ottawa. They celebrated fifty-nine years together. He preceded her in death on June 23, 2004. She is also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Deely L. Pearce; sister, Edna Tegtmeyer; and granddaughter, Amanda Jean McCurdy. Betty is survived by her son, Ralph L. Horne and his wife, Debbie, of Emporia, Kansas; three daughters, Judy K. Justice and her husband, Darrel, of Lawrence, Kansas, Cora J. Hensiek and her husband, Larry, of Ottawa, Kansas, Cindy L. McCurdy and her husband, David, of Ottawa, Kansas; two sisters, Geri Gipson of Pomona, Kansas, Bonnie Spielman of Ottawa, Kansas; eighteen grandchildren; forty-three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, 2011. IN STATE: Mrs. Horne will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9 a.m. Wednesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Special Olympics, Franklin County Cancer Foundation, Midland Hospice or Prairie Paws, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.